Buenos Aires, Argentina - Through this message we express our concern and sorrow for the unexpected death of a national prosecutor who carried forward an investigation of a crime that caused so much suffering in Argentina for more than 20 years. We express our solidarity and condolences to his family and the whole community, when there are so many feelings of impotence, frustration and discouragement.
We want to ask for more responsibility among our leaders, as well as more responsibility in words and actions, in the moments of decision, in the media and in society. We need to restore confidence and to share strength and comfort for all the pain and discouragement that exists; to seek truth and justice for all the impunity; to exemplify integrity and clarity; to devote ourselves in our work toward unity and not confusion and conflict, being part of the solution, not the problem. This is a challenge to honor life and the common good; this is an invitation to reaffirm this belief in our community, in our nation and in the world.
We wish that this tragic local event, which also has made a global impact, will not stop us. Now we need to fuel the flame of hope, so that values such as life, dignity, truth, justice, respect, fraternity, freedom and peace can prevail. These are aspirations which can be accomplished only with others, who of course are different, with a more universal attitude, in societies which have increased their international, interreligious and intellectual profile.
A strengthened light of hope will clear the distressing scene in order to keep nurturing peace values, our eagerness and our daily commitment. Each one of us should offer their renewed and valuable effort from their place, their area, their work, their function, their mission. With a humble and sincere acknowledgment of the light that comes from Above—whatever you call Him in each tradition—which illuminates our paths in prayer, and which guides us in the accomplishment of our longing for solidarity and fraternity.
Buenos Aires, January 15, 2015