Archbishop Norberto Rivera said that there is a relationship of “perfect communion, respect and obedience” between himself and Pope Francis.
During his sermon for the Mass of the Chrism in the Metropolitan Cathedral, the head of Mexican Catholicism referred to “the malicious rumors spread by some people who want to see a rupture between our archdiocese and the rest of the Catholic Church.”
“I want to make it very clear to you all, my presbyterium and children of God, that there is perfect communion, respect and obedience between myself and Pope Francis,” he continued. “There is also sincere friendship and love.”
“I have no doubt that Pope Francis and his ministry are a gift that God has given to His Church. We want you to know, Holy Father, that you are in our prayers and in our hearts, and that Mexico will always be faithful to you,” he said.
Rivera made reference to the message that the Argentine pontiff had directed to the bishops during his recent visit to Mexico, in which he exhorted them to act with “delicacy and respect” for the souls of the faithful, for which it is important that priests have “a clear view, a transparent soul and a glowing face.”
The archbishop of Mexico also said that he respects freedom of expression, which he will maintain in the Episcopal Council and the Presbyterium, as well as in other Catholic bodies.
“I also want to recognize those who are participating in Desdé la Fe, because it is the archdiocese’s newspaper, not the archbishop’s newspaper. Those who think that the archbishop is the Church need to turn their clocks forward 50 years,” Rivera said.
Cardinal Rivera reminded priests, deacons and seminary students that Pope Francis had asked them to have a “true priestly conversion, to not be paralysed by old answers to new questions.”
“He exhorted us to evangelize, to not give in to temptation of distance and clericalism, of frailty and indifference, to avoid triumphalism and self-reference,” noted Rivera.
I want to make it very clear for you all, my presbyterium and children of God, that there is perfect communion, respect and obedience between myself and Pope Francis. There is also sincere friendship and love.”
-Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico
