GUATEMALA: THE MURDER OF BISHOP GERARDI MUST BE SOLVED

VATICAN CITY, JUN 15, 2000 (VIS) - John Paul II today received the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador from Guatemala, Acisclo Valladares Molina. In his speech, the Holy Father laid emphasis on the "new era for all Guatemalans" that began following the signing of the peace agreements at the end of 1996.

"In this matter," he said, "it is a source of satisfaction that, over the last few years, the nation has been able to live a peaceful political climate with no great upheavals, even though it has inherited serious difficulties in coexistence. Among these it is necessary to highlight the still-unsolved murder (in 1998) of (the auxiliary of Guatemala) Bishop Gerardi, and the delicate economic situation. The country has shown that it can face its own destiny through normal democratic activity that ensures the participation of all citizens in the nation's political choices."

The Pope indicated that, following the signing of the peace agreement it is essential "to continue building the country on solid and stable principles, such as respect for the dignity of all human beings and for the legitimate rights of communities and the various ethnic groups. It is also important to constantly respect, in the face of any attempted violation, the principles of the division and independence of the three powers that are the basis of democracy in a legal State.

"A solid and hopeful future," he continued, "requires that one not abandon the basic values and institutions of all societies, such as the family, the protection of minors and the most neglected and, furthermore, that the very foundations of law, liberty and the dignity of persons not be undermined by threatening life from the moment of conception."

The Holy Father also requested greater attention for indigenous peoples, "whose access to an ever better and more dignified life - both quantitatively and qualitatively in sectors such as education, health care, infrastructures and other services - must be realized in respect of their cultures, which are so deserving of consideration."

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