The Bishop of Ibiza and Formentera, Vicente Ribas, addressed the controversy generated by the statements of the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Luis Argüello, this Thursday, publicly supporting his stance and defending the Church’s right to express itself on current political and social issues.
Ribas made these statements during his participation in the local program Bona Nit Pitiüses, in which he also reviewed his four years at the helm of the Ibizan diocese. There, he stated that, in the face of public debates, “priests must be able to say what we believe is appropriate,” in direct reference to the recent controversy generated by Argüello’s interventions.
The bishop emphasized that Argüello’s words—which have generated reactions in both political and media spheres at the national level—are “impeccable” and align with constitutional principles, in his opinion, by addressing how to respond to the institutional deadlock situation that Spain is going through.
Vicente Ribas took advantage of his intervention to defend the role of the Church in public life, understanding that growing secularization and the distancing from traditional values make a coherent voice from faith necessary. He pointed out that his pastoral commitment includes approaching the concerns of the faithful, as well as recognizing the freedom of expression of priests and bishops on matters that affect the common good.