A group of professors, historians, writers, jurists, academics and representatives of cultural associations has sent a letter to Pope Leo XIV, through the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain, to request the protection of the Valley of the Fallen and to express their rejection of the “resignification” process promoted by the Government for the “Cuelgamuros” site.
The initiative has been promoted by the Or-Acción Alliance Saint Thomas More Platform. In the letter, the signatories address the Pontiff by virtue of the right recognized to the faithful by canon 212 of the Code of Canon Law to express to their pastors their concerns about matters affecting the life of the Church.
They request the defense of the basilica and the Benedictine abbey
With “astonishment and sadness” at the news related to the future resignification of the Valley of the Fallen, they consider that the Government’s plans pose a threat to the integrity of the pontifical basilica, the Benedictine abbey and the cemetery located within the site.
The letter recalls that the abbey was erected by Pius XII through the apostolic letter Stat Crux and that the basilica later received the title of minor basilica by decision of Saint John XXIII. The promoters maintain that the complex constitutes a space of prayer, reconciliation and Christian memory that should be preserved.
They also argue that the site could become a place of encounter, peace and reconciliation for Spanish families, presided over by the monumental cross that dominates the grounds.
Criticism of a document issued by the Holy See
In addition to the issue of the Valley of the Fallen, the letter expresses displeasure at a recent information document issued by the Holy See on the occasion of the papal trip to Spain. According to the signatories, the text presented assessments of the Spanish political and social situation that have caused bewilderment among numerous faithful.
The platform considers especially problematic the positive references to certain social policies of the current Government, arguing that they are difficult to reconcile with issues such as the defense of life, the family or education from the perspective of Catholic doctrine.
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They request a clarification from the Pope
Among the specific requests addressed to Leo XIV is an explicit defense of the territorial abbey, the pontifical basilica and the cemetery under the care of the Benedictine community. The signatories also ask the Pope to encourage the enhancement of the site as a space for reconciliation, prayer and moral and social regeneration.
Likewise, they call for a public clarification that dispels the impression that the Church endorses political or social positions contrary to the Gospel. In their view, certain interpretations derived from the aforementioned Vatican document have generated perplexity among numerous Catholics and require an explanation from the Holy See.
Signatures from the academic, cultural and associative spheres
The letter, dated June 5 and 6, is backed by dozens of individuals linked to academic, cultural, professional and associative fields. Among the signatories are university professors, historians, writers, jurists, economists, representatives of Hispanist associations and other figures from the cultural world.
The letter concludes by reiterating the promoters’ adherence to the Apostolic See and asking the Holy Father to heed the concerns of those who believe that both the preservation of the Valley of the Fallen and doctrinal clarity in public life are matters of special importance to numerous Spanish faithful.