Peruvian bishops rejected the charges leveled last weekend against Cardinal
Juan Luis Cipriani, archbishop of Lima, by a group of protesters at that
capital's cathedral.
In the message sent from Rome where they are on pilgrimage, 10 Peruvian bishops
rejected "this type of demonstrations that profane holy places and
celebrations of worship, offending the faith of the majority of our
people."
About 50 protesters spoke out against the cardinal in the courtyard of the Lima
cathedral on Sunday. They also demanded the inclusion of abortion in the
constitutional reform being debated in the Peruvian Parliament.
As Cardinal Cipriani was celebrating Mass, they also accused him of promoting
impunity for members of the network of corruption established by Vladimiro
Montesinos, a former presidential adviser.
"We call attention so that an end will be put to this type of demonstrations,
which reflect the most elemental lack of respect for the rights of a person and
for religious liberty," the bishops said in their statement.
"Intolerance, insults, calumnies and lies will never be ways to reconcile
this suffering Peru that we love," they added.
The Lima-based Catholic agency Aciprensa reported that, when listening to his
aggressors, Cardinal Cipriani said: "Christ is much more than those of us
gathered here; therefore, in peace and firmness -- because forgiveness does not
imply weakness -- we must continue to seek that truth that liberates and heals
wounds."
"This is the people of God and as I was saying, the cross divides humanity
between those who love it and carry it in peace, and those who reject it and
cry out against it with hatred," the cardinal continued.
Cardinal Cipriani stressed the need to respect the Peruvian people's Catholic
faith. Referring to the protesters, he said: "I love you, I forgive you, I
am happy that the Lord sees this, but at the same time I will awaken
consciences."
"Is it reasonable that a group of people attack the cathedral, the pastor
of Lima, and the rest look on?" he asked. "Can we say that this is
liberty, tolerance? Can we say that these are human rights, the right to
insult?"