AMERICA/BOLIVIA – The economic crisis fuels social tensions: Bishops call for dialogue and reconciliation

La Paz – Social unrest is escalating in Bolivia, manifesting itself in protests, economic hardship, and political tensions. In recent weeks, transport companies, unions, farmers, and indigenous organizations have promoted roadblocks and called for strikes in an effort to obtain answers to their demands for economic and structural change. The protests are taking place against a backdrop of high inflation, foreign currency shortages, and fuel supply problems – factors that have exacerbated social unrest.
This social unrest has a direct impact on daily life, particularly on food supplies and transportation, and hits the most vulnerable segments of the population. Meanwhile, leading representatives of the Bolivian Church have expressed their concern about the escalation of the conflict and emphasized the need for peaceful solutions to the root causes of the social unrest. In recent days, numerous bishops have repeatedly addressed this issue in homilies and press releases.
The Bishop of El Alto and Secretary General of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, Giovani Arana, warned of the country’s “conflict-ridden situation,” characterized by social tensions and economic insecurity. In one of his homilies, he stated: “No structural reform can bear fruit without a change in attitudes, ethical principles, and the central importance of the human being.” He emphasized the urgent need for dialogue between the authorities and the people.
The Bishop of Sucre and Vice President of the Episcopal Conference, Ricardo Centellas, focused his remarks on the social dimension of the crisis and, in light of the increasing fragmentation of the social fabric, called for fraternity and reconciliation. In his homily during Mass on Sunday, May 3, he declared: “We are in this world to support one another, not to destroy one another,” adding that fraternity in Christ must be expressed in “solidarity, mercy, and compassion.” Archbishop Percy Galván of La Paz, for his part, called for a “sincere dialogue” based on transparency and the pursuit of the common good. In a statement to the press, he urged setting aside political and ideological interests and emphasized the need for agreements that restore stability and social peace.
Bishop Renán Aguilera of Potosí highlighted the impact of the protest-related blockades on the poorest families, who have limited access to essential goods. “The most vulnerable suffer the most,” he declared, stressing the urgency of resuming dialogue and the Church’s role as a bridge in finding realistic and shared solutions. The President of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, Bishop Aurelio Pesoa of the Apostolic Vicariate of El Beni, placed the country’s situation in the context of a broader reflection on social responsibility, pointing to problems such as fuel shortages, the health crisis, and corruption. He called for a societal transformation, declaring, “Authority must always serve the community, not the pursuit of profit.” Archbishop René Leigue of Santa Cruz questioned the effectiveness of blockades and strikes as means of crisis management, emphasizing that while the economy is important, it is not the country’s only problem. In a speech on May 3, he urged a greater focus on problems in healthcare, education, and the labor market, as well as other social emergencies such as violence and drug use among young people. “We must broaden our perspective, look beyond the obvious, and concentrate on this vast reality with all its problems,” he stated.

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