Mexican bishops reiterate fidelity to Pope following Lefebvrist letter

Mexico City, Mexico, Mar 24, 2009 / 21:51 pm

The Bishops’ Conference of Mexico has sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI offering prayers, solidarity and communion after receiving the Pontiff’s letter explaining the lifting of the excommunication of four Lefebvrist bishops.

In their letter, the bishops lament "with sadness and sorrow the unjust and disproportionate reactions to the gesture of mercy His Holiness has shown to these brothers of ours aimed at reconciliation."

They called Benedict XVI’s decision to send the letter "a courageous gesture that expresses his sincerity, honesty and frankness in his manner of acting as a Successor of Peter." It also conveys "his sensitivity and gentleness, which are the fruit of mature spirituality and wisdom (….), in understanding the different situations that are present in the life of the Church, in order to act with evangelical spirit and to explain with charity and truth the motives and reasons behind the decisions that are made."

For this reason, the bishops said, it is the perfect opportunity to express to the Holy Father, our fidelity and communion."

"We confirm our filial adherence to the Successor of the Apostle Peter, we appreciate the value of his Magisterium and we thank him for such an exemplary testimony by showing us the heart of a good shepherd," the bishops concluded.