To: the Church in Argentina
CC: The Argentine, Paraguayan, Venezuelan and Colombian Governments, Church hierarchies of the Paraguay/Venezuela/Colombia.
From: The Holy See
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We, noting recent events in Argentina, express our grave concerns regarding the state of the Church in Argentina. Ignorance, and unchristian mentalities rooted in erroneous philosophy, appear to us, in light of the evil of schism, and the acts of violence committed even on the part of some clergy (in violation of canon law) in the recent sectarian tensions have led us to the conclusion that more direct involvement on the part of the Holy See is necessary in order to purify the Church in your nation and ensure the light of truth once again can be properly expressed along the principles of the Divine and Catholic Faith. The following ecclesiastical measures henceforth shall be taken in the interests.
Firstly, we decree that an
apostolic visitation is to be sent to Argentina, to assess the catechesis of priests in seminaries, the conduct of clergy in Argentina, the doctrinal soundness of the Argentine Church and the Argentine hierarchies adherence to canonical principles, particularly in light of certain evidence of priests violating the canonical prohibitions on clerics engaging in militant activity.
Secondly, we order the nuncio to initiate dialogue with the schismatics of the "Old Church of Argentina" in order that an end to the evil of schism can be achieved. It is our belief that this schism rests not so much on dogmatic matters, but misinterpretation of doctrine by some amongst the clergy (indications point to the erroneous conception that papal infallibility extends beyond ex-cathedra statements on faith and morals being present amongst some schismatics) and non-doctrinal concerns pertaining to the state of the Church in Argentina and the Church's efforts to counter the influence of the godless errors of proletarism and liberalism (both of which contain doctrines which are fundamentally anathema and diametrically opposed to christian teaching) and promote the teachings of the apostles. As such, considering the doctrinal differences are either minor or non-existent, and the disjuncture exists primarily in the area of prudential judgements (with relation to ecclessiastical initiatives), a strong hope exists that this schism can be resolved.
thirdly: Pending the results of the apostolic visitation being investigated by the Holy See, we request that the Episcopate of Argentina, in fidelity to canon law and the doctrines of the faith, ensures that the utmost efforts are made to ensure that needless and unchristian acts of rioting and violence are clearly condemned and diffused should they appear again. Christ in the garden of gethsemane told Peter to sheath his sword when He himself was being persecuted and taken to his death, the faithful of Argentina too must, in fidelity to Christs words, sheath the sword of their mortal passions and any recourse to mob violence and take up instead the cross of suffering laid out upon them. Offering that suffering up, in deed as much as in word and spirit for the conversion of souls, most particularly of their protestant countrymen is the right path forward. As we have consistently noted, a true christian polity and society cannot be achieved unless individually, the people who make up that society embark upon the journey of sanctification in their own lives.
Finally, we wish to make known our thoughts regarding the trajectory of south america, and express our concern regarding the pernicious influence of ultra-nationalism in certain quarters. Patriotism of course, is praiseworthy, but the nationalist sentiment of which we speak is one which pits men against men and promotes hatred amongst the human family. In particular the hatred towards Argentines AS Argentines in Paraguay, and between Colombians and Venezuelans as people comes to mind and greatly concerns us. In the first case, hatred towards Argentinians themselves is unjust and unchristian and reminds the Catholic that self-reflection and continual conversion to Christ, in humility and reverence, is always necessary lest one fall into the ways of the devil. Know therefore with a contemplative mind, that one should not despise Argentinians or any nationality, race or individual for what they are, for what truly should be despised and opposed always is error and sin, nothing else for error leads people away from truth and sin leads men to damnation. This lesson applies also in the second case between Colombians and Venezuelans, where we see both peoples profess Christ as Lord, and yet many amongst them profess hatred of the other? Do they truly hear Christ and believe in Him? Do they listen and understand when he says that those who are to follow him must love their neighbours as themselves, or are they as seed pecked up and devoured by the birds in the field? Yes grievances exist between both nations, but such grievances should not intrude and obstruct a shared joy in Christ the Lord, nor provoke hatred of the other, for such malice and division only serves the true enemy of all mankind, who is the devil. This lesson we hope the peoples of South America take to heart
~Pope Paul VI
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To: The United Kingdom and Pertinent African Entities
CC: Other African Polities
From: The Holy See
The Holy See expresses its concerns regarding the ongoing violence in Africa, and with regards to the Homestead Act (which appears to us little more than theft) and notes its desire that all parties consider peaceful negotiations and dialogue in an effort to establish a peace between the British Empire and the parties opposed to its continued dominion in certain regions of Africa. We wish to make it clear that a continuation of the war only secures and entrenches the suffering of the many, and it self-evidently causes many needless deaths both of Native Africans and of Europeans whom the teaching of Christ attests are equal in their humanity and dignity before God.
Furthermore such a war only serves to promote instability and discord more widely, perpetuating hatred between peoples, and perpetuating a paradigm of violence that only hinders the prosperity of nations and the peace of humanity and the world as a whole. Indeed already the signs of the broader effects of this war are clear, in Australia most evidently (the people's legitimate concerns of which Britain should address), with regards to the propagation of instability, discord and violent tendencies. We urge as such all parties to see this clear reality and work towards an end to this conflict.
~ Secretary for Relations with States
