Catholic Leaders Express Concerns on Mexico President’s Judicial Reform

MEXICO CITY — The Mexican Catholic Church has raised serious concerns regarding President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s proposed judicial reforms, warning that these changes might fail to deliver justice for victims amid the widespread crime crisis gripping the nation.

Archbishop Gustavo Rodríguez articulated this skepticism in a video from the Catholic bishops conference of Mexico. He stated, “The proposal promoted by the Executive does not respond to a comprehensive review of the judicial system nor does it guarantee a better and more qualified administration of justice.”

López Obrador has had an ongoing contentious relationship with judges throughout his presidency. He has accused the current judicial system, which encompasses approximately 7,000 judges, of corruption. His administration’s plan suggests that all judges should be elected, a move that has incited significant public backlash and widespread criticism.

Critics, including analysts and judges, argue that this proposal undermines the independence of the judiciary and erodes the established system of checks and balances. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar weighed in on the issue, warning on August 22 that electing judges poses a “risk” to Mexico’s democratic framework and threatens the crucial commercial ties between the United States and Mexico.

Investor confidence appears shaken as well; the proposed changes have already affected the value of the Mexican peso, contributing to its decline.

The lower house of Mexico’s Congress approved the legislation on September 4, and it has since moved to the Senate, where it is anticipated to pass with a minimal margin.

Bishop Ramón Castro, the secretary of the bishops conference, urged senators to reflect on their obligations during a recent statement. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests over political divisions, advocating for a comprehensive reform that encompasses prosecutors’ offices and local courts while respecting the judicial career.

This isn’t the first instance of Catholic leaders expressing their apprehensions regarding López Obrador’s policies. In 2022, the assassination of two Jesuit priests prompted a significant public outcry and drew the Church into the debate about crime and security in Mexico. The Church has since participated in national dialogues aimed at finding peace and justice solutions.

During his recent address, Castro reminded Claudia Sheinbaum, who will take over the presidency on October 1, of the promises made during her campaign. Sheinbaum had signed a peace commitment with the Catholic Church before the presidential elections held in June.

Using the context of the national agenda for peace, Castro stated, “It expresses the need for a comprehensive reconstruction of justice at all levels.” This is especially crucial for victims of the rampant criminal violence affecting the country.

Various religious leaders have been active in advocating for victims of violence, including both Mexican citizens and migrants. In Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most dangerous states, bishops have attempted to engage with criminal organizations in hopes of ceasing violent acts that are devastating the community.

Numerous priests have supported families of missing individuals, striving for answers. Recently, on August 30, Catholic Bishop Javier Acero participated in a news conference alongside mothers searching for their missing children at Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Basilica in Mexico City. These mothers, many of whom have sought help from government officials, have found their efforts fruitless.

Bishop Acero conveyed a poignant message to the incoming president, urging Sheinbaum to take the plight of these mothers seriously, saying, “As a mother, listen to these moms.”

The challenges of the judicial reform proposal, combined with the ongoing violence, signify an urgent need for systemic change that addresses the desires of the Mexican populace for justice and security.

Source: Associated Press