on Tuesday urged Peruvians to overcome the country's divisions through justice, solidarity, and a commitment to the common good.
During the homily he delivered at Lima Cathedral on the occasion of the Te Deum marking the 205th Anniversary of Peru's Independence, the cardinal said the country is going through a profound human and social crisis that cannot be resolved by perpetuating confrontations or pursuing particular interests.
Therefore, the prelate called for fostering reconciliation based on justice and strengthening democracy, setting aside narrow-mindedness and prioritizing all Peruvians' well-being.
"Our God wants us to be supportive and just, not with a reconciliation that covers up the wrongs we have committed, but with a reconciliation that, by clearly recognizing the injustices we have committed, knows how to deliver justice and make restitution to all those who have been harmed," he stated.
During the religious ceremony, the archbishop recalled that Peru's Independence represented "a great light" 205 years ago for a people seeking freedom.
Likewise, Castillo noted that the first Constitution of 1823 defined Peru as a nation comprising all its provinces.
However, the prelate noted that just a few years later the country faced the imposition of a "lifetime constitution," an episode that—he said—shows that defending democracy has been a constant challenge throughout the nation's history.
In that context, the archbishop said Peru "is still a promise in the process of being fulfilled."
He noted that building the nation requires not only political and ethical responses, but also a spiritual dimension that strengthens human values and commitment to the common good.
The cardinal warned that the country is experiencing a "catastrophic" situation, not for economic reasons, but because "the human condition and its dignity are in grave danger."
He said the pursuit of power and illicit enrichment has eroded institutions and fueled violence, contract killings, extortion, and other forms of insecurity that affect daily life.
The archbishop also warned of a global trend that—he said—seeks to weaken democracy and promote authoritarian regimes through war, inequality, and population control.
In this context, he called for responding with initiatives that promote reconciliation, peacebuilding, dialogue, and respect for human dignity.
As part of his reflection, the archbishop cited the meeting between the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth as an example to highlight the values of solidarity and service to those most vulnerable.
The prelate said that, just as Mary set aside her own comfort to help her cousin, Peruvians must abandon divisive attitudes and work together for those most in need.
Cardinal Castillo called for renewing the commitment to the ideals that gave rise to the Republic.
Moreover, he urged authorities and the public to undertake a conversion and rectification process that would make it possible to correct injustices, as well as rebuild the country on the basis of justice, solidarity, and the common good.
Publicado: 28/7/2026