Archbishop Javier del Rio of Arequipa, Peru recently stated that
Catholics cannot vote for presidential candidates who support abortion.
“In no way can one vote for a candidate who has explicitly stated his
or her intention to go against marriage, human life and the family,”
the archbishop told CNA in an April 7 interview.
The country's presidential elections will take place Sunday, April 10.
“An informed Catholic can never vote for a candidate who supports
these kinds of policies, because that is expressly stated in the
compendium of Social Teachings of the Church,” he explained.
Catholics have a duty to participate in the political life of their
country and to inform themselves about the positions of those running
for office, he continued.
“We must not be influenced by whether we like
or don’t like a candidate, but rather we must conscientiously study
their plans for governing,” the archbishop said.
The backgrounds of the candidates must also be evaluated, he added,
including their
“credibility, their dedication to work, their
seriousness and their honesty.”
“This, together with the Social Teachings of the Church, should form the basis for our vote,” he explained.
Bishop Miguel Irizar of Callao, Peru told CNA that voters must pray
for discernment in choosing the best candidates.
All Peruvians must be
treated with dignity and respect, he said, adding that those who will
assume public office must carry out the mission for which they were
elected.
He exhorted future lawmakers “to follow the law, God’s law first, and to enact legislation based on the common good.”