In light of the Pope’s visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the Unidas Podemos party has opted to decline the invitation to the official reception organised for the occasion.
This decision stems from our secular convictions and our commitment to the secular nature of public institutions. Since our inception as a political party, we have maintained a clear stance of not participating, in our capacity as public officials, in confessional events, distinctly separating the institutional from the religious sphere. However, this does not prevent any member of our organisation from attending in a personal capacity, exercising their freedom of conscience and belief.
Respect for Believers
We wish to express our respect for all believers and for those who find hope and commitment through faith. We also acknowledge the positions that the Pope has defended in favour of migrants, welcoming them, and upholding human dignity—principles that we share and consider particularly necessary in the current context.
Missed Opportunities
At the same time, we believe this visit would have been an opportunity for the Pope to dedicate part of his agenda to meet with all associations of victims of abuse within the Church, particularly relevant to our municipality. Such a gesture would have shown closeness, recognition, and reparation towards those who have suffered these serious violations of their rights and continue to seek truth, justice, support, and guarantees of non-repetition. We reiterate our support and solidarity with all victims, as well as our commitment to defending their rights and dignity.
Disagreements with the Church’s Position
While respecting the religious convictions of millions, we cannot overlook our profound disagreements with certain positions held by the Pope and the ecclesiastical hierarchy, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive rights and the right to a dignified death. Critical comments on abortion or euthanasia clash with our defence of women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies and with our belief that each individual should be able to face the end of their life with freedom, dignity, and autonomy. Democratic coexistence requires mutual respect, along with the possibility of clearly expressing differences while remaining committed to human rights and individual freedoms.
