The apostolic administrator of the diocese of Cádiz, Monsignor Ramón Valdivia, participated in Madrid in the meeting between Pope Leo XIV and the Spanish bishops. The meeting took place on Monday, following the celebration of Corpus Christi in Cádiz.
This encounter served as a moment of communion and to receive pastoral guidance for the evangelizing mission of the Church in Spain. Pope Leo XIV described Christian life as 'a journey where the destination is God' and urged the bishops to combine 'freedom and courage,' leaving behind what hinders the mission and preserving what helps to announce the Gospel.
The Holy Father also emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue and new languages to bring the Christian message closer to contemporary society. He stressed that the bishop's vocation is to be 'a sign of communion in Christ,' called to safeguard unity, foster dialogue, and accompany the people of God.
Lift up your gaze
Ramón Valdivia highlighted the Pontiff's message 'Lift up your gaze,' considering it a response to a 'society that is hungry for people who morally arm' against skepticism. He described the Pope's gestures and words as 'caresses for our Spanish church.'
The diocesan administrator stated that the papal visit can 'draw a sprout of confidence from our pessimism,' comparing its effect to the comfort a father offers his son. He noted that the Holy Father is not 'deluded' and recalled his criticisms of the powerful and of 'the dehumanizing attempts of an intelligence lacking mercy and soul.'
