Panama’s bishops issue election statement

January 13, 2014

The Episcopal Conference of Panama has issued a statement on the upcoming presidential election, which will take place in May.

After citing Blessed John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, the bishops said that “we exhort Catholics, persons of good will, and especially youth, to participate in the next electoral process and, guided by the Gospel and ethical criteria, elect candidates of proven honesty, veracity, and responsibility, who have borne witness of service to the community and the country, promoted the common good, and defended human rights at all stages of life, with justice and equity -- candidates who care for the weak and needy, protect nature, promote the active participation of all citizens, who respect the independence of the branches of the State, [and] freedom of expression.”

The Central American nation of 3.6 million is 85% Catholic.

 

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Further information:

• Comunicado de la CEP al término de la Asamblea Plenaria 199 (Conferencia Episcopal de Panamá)
• "An inclusive democracy for the dignity of all the people in Panama": the Assembly of Bishops calls on people to vote on May 4 (Fides)