Bogotá, Colombia, Apr 30, 2010 / 16:04 pm
Archbishop Emeritus Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo of Medellin said just hours before formally handing over the reigns of the archdiocese that building peace in the country is possible, but it must be done with dialogue and respect.
Speaking to the Colombian daily “El Tiempo,” the archbishop referred to the issue of peace in the country and said efforts must be made to “continue seeking avenues with these (armed) groups to ensure life is respected.”
The prelate retired from his post at the age of 75.
Over his 13 years as head of the Archdiocese of Medellin, Archbishop Jaramillo said that there was much emphasis “on spiritual, intellectual and human formation and care of priests and parish communities.”
In addition, 25 new parishes were built. “There are now 320 parishes and 11 building projects,” he said.
Regarding pedophilia, he said that in Medellin, “We have been providing formation workshops on human and emotional maturity for priests and seminarians. I think we have done the best we can in this area.”