The Archbishop of Valladolid and president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Mons. Luis Argüello, stated yesterday in Ávila that the canonization cause of Isabel la Católica “is still underway and active”. During a conference at the Catholic University of Ávila, he encouraged cultivating devotion and knowledge of her life, convinced that “her virtues can be recognized by the Church”.
The prelate explained that the process, initiated by the Archdiocese of Valladolid, was approved by Rome in the nineties, although it was stopped “out of political prudence”. However, he assured that the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints has encouraged continuing the historical and pastoral work. “These causes live from the study and the prayer of the people of God”, he emphasized.
A queen of faith and justice
Mons. Argüello described Isabel as “a woman of faith and government”, who exercised her authority as service to the common good. He recalled that in her will she ordered to treat the indigenous peoples of America as subjects of the Crown, with the same rights as those of Castile.
“They are not slaves, but subjects of my kingdom”, quoted the archbishop, recalling the words of the Queen.
The prelate defended that Isabel promoted a Christian vision of human dignity and evangelization that gave rise to a new civilization. “Mestizaje, so criticized today, was the fruit of a deeply evangelical vision”, he pointed out.
Rediscovering her legacy
Mons. Argüello warned against the error of judging the past with ideological criteria. “Isabel acted from faith, seeking justice and the promotion of the Gospel”, he affirmed. He asked to rediscover her testimony with a believing and grateful gaze, as an example of Christian government and commitment to the truth.
“Her example can illuminate today’s Christians”, the archbishop concluded.