Pope Francis recently met with the permanent committee members of the Episcopal Conference of Chile (CECh) in a private audience, marking their first meeting since 2019. The Archbishop of Concepción and Secretary General of the CECh, Monsignor Sergio Pérez de Arce, shared that they discussed the ecclesial crisis that emerged in 2018 and the subsequent process of ecclesial discernment. The bishops also reviewed their relationships within the Church and sought more synodal structures to address the crisis.
The meeting, which lasted 45 minutes, allowed the bishops to share their experiences and challenges in Chile, including cultural, social, and political particularities. Monsignor René Rebolledo, President of the CECh and Archbishop of La Serena, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from Pope Francis and other Vatican authorities, such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State. Rebolledo acknowledged the progress made in addressing the abuse crisis, thanking those committed to the National Prevention Council.
Other attendees included Vice President of the CECh and Archbishop of Antofagasta, Monsignor Ignacio Ducasse Medina; Archbishop of Santiago, Monsignor Fernando Chomali; and Bishop of San Bernardo, Monsignor Juan Ignacio González Errázuriz. This meeting demonstrates Pope Francis’ ongoing efforts to address the ecclesial crisis in Chile, following his acceptance of Bishop Juan Barros’ resignation in 2018, who was accused of covering up for Chile’s most notorious abuser priest, Fernando Karadima.