The Bishop of Málaga, who has just taken possession, points the way to Pope Leo XIV in an interview in Diario Sur.
–In the homily of your taking possession, you spoke about the Church having to promote «processes of liberation, justice, and holiness among marginalized people who find themselves on the outskirts of society and the Church». Who were you referring to?
– To people who habitually feel excluded. I am referring to people with economic poverty and to other types of people who, due to their situation, may have felt rejected by the Church. I believe that the Church addresses everyone, all of humanity, all of society, but if it wants to address everyone, it must especially keep in mind those people who have habitually been more excluded because they have been separated or because the Church has not known how to welcome them well.
– I was asking this question because homosexuals and divorced people feel rejected and marked by the Church. And women still have a displaced role. What do you think about that?
– I believe that in those groups of people there has been a lot of suffering, because at some specific moment, or over a long period of time, they may have perceived that the Church did not welcome them as they are. Certainly, those groups you just mentioned, the homosexual community… there is no doubt that we must do everything possible so that the Church and religions in general do not provide more reasons for suffering, but rather help to welcome people as they are, each one, as Francis said, with their life on their back.
– It seems clear that Francis opened a door in that sense. Was it enough, or were they not allowed to do everything he wanted?
– That question would have to be asked of him… There is no doubt that he opened a door with the famous blessings of homosexual couples; I think it is an open path. Over time, other steps will be taken, because what cannot be in the Church is for there to be people who consider themselves saints and others whom we consider sinners for issues that they have not even chosen themselves.