Archbishop Jaime Spengler, OFM, is the new president of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) for the four-year period 2023-2027.
In an interview published on the CELAM website, Archbishop Spengler, who had been elected President of the CNBB less than a month ago, said he was very surprised by this new election, which took place on 17 May. "For me, all this is great news. We are here because of what the Church is asking of us, and when they asked me if I would accept the position", said the bishop, "I said I would do it in the name of obedience, with the desire to serve the Latin American Bishops' Council in the best possible way".
We renew to Archbishop Jaime the Order's wish that his ministry at CELAM will bear abundant fruits of good.
The Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) is a body of communion, reflection, collaboration and service. It was created by the Holy See, at the request of the Latin American Episcopate, as a sign and instrument of collegial affection, in perfect communion with the universal Church and its visible Head, the Roman Pontiff.
As a service organisation, CELAM must, above all, be an animation and aid to the reflection and pastoral action of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean.
CELAM coordinates its activities with the regional episcopal bodies in Latin America and the Caribbean that exist or may exist in the future. It is governed by its own statutes and regulations and by the provisions issued by the Holy See. (From the website: celam.org)
Photo: adn.celam.org