Defense of life from conception to natural death
Msgr. Castro Toovey pointed out that the Pope asked to continue «without faltering and without lowering the guard» in the work of the Church in Chile for human life.
Regarding euthanasia, he explained that the Church seeks to change the narrative that erroneously equates it with compassion: «The issue of euthanasia is presented in a confusing way because it tends to be confused with the issue of compassion». On the other hand, he indicated, the understood Catholic perspective is that «life is sacred from the beginning, […] until the end».
In this context, the Chilean bishop pointed to the promotion of palliative care and the dignified accompaniment of people in terminal situations, as an authentic expression of Christian anthropology.
Welcoming of migrants and another essential pastoral axis
In addition to the defense of life, Pope Leo XIV urged the Chilean Church to «welcome the migrant» as an inseparable part of the Gospel, within the framework of the migratory debate that crosses the country.
Msgr. Castro stated that Chile «has been forged by immigrants» and that this reality demands a welcome with legality, order, and dignity. «We are all migrants at some point in our history and that should inspire us to welcome the stranger», he added.
What it means for the Church in Chile
The Pope’s message constitutes a clear orientation for the pastoral action of the Church in Chile in the coming months. In a political and social context where abortion and euthanasia laws are being debated, the CECh receives a mandate of firmness in the defense of life and human dignity.
The call not to «lower the guard» underscores that the cultural battle is permanent: it is not enough to avoid the setback of fundamental rights, but it is necessary to offer an authentically Christian proposal of accompaniment, presence, and hope.