A new book exploring the relation between Catholicism and politics in Latin American countries was recently presented by The Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
The book is titled Crossed Paths: Catholicism and Politics in Contemporary Latin America.
ALESSANDRA CIURLO
Editor of Crossed Paths
Throughout history in Latin America there has been a constant intersection between these two fields, and what we did was gather these experiences from contemporary Latin America to see how, in various contexts—such as social movements and feminist movements—they intersect with the political world.
More than 15 articles by different authors are published in the book, explaining the various and dynamic courses the faith has run in the region.
The book especially aims to answer why Catholics are able to accept diverse political commitments despite sharing one, unified faith.
RODRIGO GUERRA LÓPEZ
Secretary of the Pontifical Commission
Perhaps we must reassess the prophetic spirit of Pope Paul VI today. He taught us that the same faith can give rise to diverse political commitments. Perhaps, paraphrasing this expression of Paul VI, we should say… different ways of living the same Catholic faith give rise to a plurality of political commitments—all of them legitimate, as long as they do not fall into the grip of ideological extremism.
The speakers who participated in the presentation included professors from the University of Modena and Roma Tre University. The speaker you just heard is Rodrigo Guerra López, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Crossed Paths illustrates the spiritual currents of these countries and how the faith professed by their citizens decisively influenced the political landscape of each Latin American nation.
