Peruvian cardinal urges acceptance of Pope's decision on university

Lima, Peru, Dec 13, 2011 / 12:08 pm

Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani urged acceptance of whatever Pope Benedict's decision may be in resolving the dispute between the Archdiocese of Lima and the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.

“Once the explanation and clarification has been made, the only thing left for Catholics is to accept what the Pope and the Church ask of us,” Cardinal Cipriani, who leads the archdiocese of Lima, said Dec. 10 on his program Dialogue of Faith.

“I hope that with God’s help this is brought to a conclusion,” he added.

In September of this year, the university rejected a request by the Vatican to bring its statutes in line with the apostolic exhortation “Ex Corde Ecclesiae” or risk losing its status as a Catholic and pontifical institution.

Pope Benedict has appointed Cardinal Peter Erdo as apostolic visitor to facilitate a resolution to the conflict. Following a Dec. 7 meeting with Cardinal Erdo, Cardinal Cipriani told reporters, “we are very thankful that the Holy Father has given us this sign of cordiality and closeness in order to help us resolve this situation.”

Cardinal Cipriani said during his program that Cardinal Erdo is suited for the task and is preparing to soon explain the Vatican's proposal for the situation.

He also urged a spirit of peace and reconciliation for all involved especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

“In the atmosphere of Christmas and of the faith, let us try to elevate our lives to that level where there is peace and hope,” Cardinal Cipriani said.