The Catholic Church has a score to settle with Mexico: the country must explain the violent death of Archbishop of Guadalajara Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo, killed by a group of assassins on 24 May 1993 in the Guadalajara airport.
A cardinal himself, Robles Ortega has asked for clarification on the murder, but has been very careful not to become too involved, because, he said, “there are other priorities.”
Just one month after taking leadership of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara (with a celebration that took place on 7 February), Cardinal Robles acknowledged that the Posadas case is still open, but that it is not the only important case.
“Explaining what happened from a law and justice perspective is very important, but without trying to make it the only topic, the priority. We must forge ahead to the extent that data emerges, and according to the direction indicated by the law,” he said in an interview.
These sparse words indicate a cautious stance. His predecessor, Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, searched every corner for the truth, firmly maintaining a demanding position toward the government and judicial authorities, but gaining few results.
The legal proceedings are still open, but the shadow of impunity continues to be a threat. Certainties are in short supply: neither the murderers nor the plotters of the crime are in prison. And though the memory of the cardinal remains very much alive, the church of Guadalajara has other, more pressing challenges.
This is also the opinion of Cardinal Robles Ortega, who was appointed to head one of the most important Catholic archdioceses in Latin America - an archdiocese that produced the first cardinal in the history of the Mexican Church, with a seminary that boasts the highest number of students in the world.
“I am very glad, because I know the Church of Guadalajara is a very gifted Church, with many of the capabilities and resources necessary to develop and strengthen the New Evangelization. I am starting my work here with great hope,” he said.
With these words, the cardinal emphasized the importance of the resources of an archdiocese which, in some respects, is a surprise for all of Catholicism. This is because, unlike most countries in the world, young people aspiring to the priesthood in this region of Mexico have multiplied, reaching 1,387 in 2011 - the greatest number in the last 30 years.
At present, 636 students are studying at the Major Seminary and 751 at the Minor Seminary. In addition, another 600 are undergoing the discernment process, and should reaffirm their priestly vocation within the next few months. Overall, the level of perseverance in an ecclesiastical career is nearly 90%.
These figures are the result of - among other things - the acolyte movement, which has 15,000 members within the archdiocese - a seminary of future priests who will join the presbytery of their elders, with over 1,400 presbyters (including members of religious orders).
This battalion is crucial to Francisco Robles Ortega, who, as one of his first actions as the new archbishop, initiated five group meetings with priests - a gesture much appreciated by his colleagues.
“The presbytery is essential for a bishop - greater closeness with them ensures not only their welfare, but also strengthens evangelization. I am convinced that, being such a large presbytery, we must facilitate closeness through small groups instead of through a massive gathering,” he explained.
The archbishop also said he is conscious of the fact that his pastoral work will move toward the “new evangelization” called for by Benedict XVI, which in Latin America has led to the convocation of a “continental mission.” It is an atmosphere that offers tremendous opportunities.
He also indicated that his primary task is to “strengthen the richness of the assimilation of the Catholic faith, of religious tradition, to strengthen it and reflect it in the mission for all sectors, in all fields of human life and beyond the diocesan church. This is the challenge - not to enclose Catholic values, but to strengthen and share them.”