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Vatican newspaper: Pachamama is not a god, but mother earth

November 13, 2019

» Continue to this story on L'Osservatore Romano

CWN Editor's Note: Pachamama is not a divinity or idol that is worshiped, but is mother earth, honored as the “creation and manifestation of the love of God,” writes retired Mexican Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel. He recalls that years ago, while in Bolivia for a meeting, he asked a member of the indigenous Aymara people whether his people consider Pachamama and Inti to be gods. The man replied, “Those who have not received evangelization consider them gods; for those of us who have been evangelized, they are not gods, but God’s best gifts.” Bishop Arizmendi commented, “Wonderful response! … They are manifestations of God’s love, not gods.” (For background on the deities, see the Encyclopedia Britannica articles on Inti and Pachamama.)

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  • Posted by: [email protected] - Nov. 15, 2019 10:32 PM ET USA

    Excuse the fine points here. But if you're really evangelized why are false characters needed to show God's handiwork. Isn't prayer sufficient? To pray for good crops,I don't need some character representing the earth. Looks like a play on words to placate those, like myself, to pray to God alone rather than use some "former" deity. St. Michael defend us all.

  • Posted by: wenner1687 - Nov. 15, 2019 7:37 PM ET USA

    So, pachamama is a symbol that's pagan if you're pagan, and Catholic if you're Catholic. Nice try. Not good enough.