The new president of Chile, José Antonio Kast, concluded his inauguration speech with a public prayer in which he entrusted his government and the country’s future to God. The gesture, unusual in contemporary politics, marked one of the most significant moments of the day and underscored the spiritual dimension with which the leader wished to begin his term.
After officially assuming the presidency in a ceremony held at the National Congress in Valparaíso, Kast delivered his first speech as head of state from the Palacio de La Moneda. At the end of his address, he spoke words that summarize the spirit with which he intends to face this new political stage:
“May God bless Chile, may God bless our families. May God give us wisdom to govern with justice, strength to act when necessary, and humility to always serve our people”.
The invocation to God was not an improvised gesture. Kast is known for his identity as a practicing Catholic and for his membership in the Movimiento de Schoenstatt, a spiritual community of German origin with a strong presence in Latin America. Throughout his public career, he has repeatedly referred to the importance of faith in his personal life and in his understanding of political service.
Read also: José Antonio Kast: Chile chooses a Catholic, pro-life, and pro-family president
A prayer for the new government in the Santiago Cathedral
The day after the inauguration, the new president went to the Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago to participate in the traditional Prayer for Chile and for the new Government, a religious ceremony that is part of the institutional acts accompanying the start of each presidential term.
The celebration was presided over by the archbishop of Santiago, Cardinal Fernando Chomalí, one of the most prominent figures in the Chilean episcopate. In the temple, members of the government, congressional authorities, representatives of the Armed Forces, political leaders, and leaders from various religious denominations gathered.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Cardinal Chomalí offered a prayer for the new head of state and for his responsibility at the helm of the country:
“Grant to his president José Antonio Kast Rist a prosperous government, so that by seeking in his management the good of all Chileans, he may achieve for the people entrusted to him well-being and peace”.
The ceremony had an ecumenical character, following a tradition rooted in Chilean public life, in which representatives of different denominations come together to pray for the country and its authorities.
The homily of Cardinal Chomalí
During his homily, Cardinal Chomalí reflected on the political and social moment that Chile is experiencing and on the moral responsibility that comes with the exercise of power.
The archbishop recalled that the recent presidential election is part of a democratic tradition that must be valued as a good for society.
“In Chile, democratic expressions are part of a celebration that makes us proud,” he noted, emphasizing that political differences should not prevent common work for the good of the country.
Chomalí called for addressing social tensions with prudence and a sense of responsibility, remembering that disagreements are an inevitable part of political life, but they must be managed from respect and love for the homeland.
A reflection on society and life
The cardinal also took the opportunity to offer some reflections on the cultural and social challenges facing Chile.
Among them, he mentioned the tendency to reduce the development of a society solely to economic growth, forgetting fundamental dimensions of human life.
“One cannot promote an education centered only on production and consumption, forgetting the transcendent horizons that animate human life,” he warned.
The archbishop also expressed his concern about the decline in birth rates and a culture marked by individualism, reminding that the family and openness to life are essential elements for the future of society.
Likewise, he exhorted the authorities to exercise politics with moral responsibility, warning against the dangers of sectarianism and partial visions of reality that can harm national unity.