Relations of the Holy See and Latin America before Pope Francis

Student’s Name Instructor’s Name Course Date The Relations between the Holy See and Latin America before Pope Francis Introduction The Catholic Church’s presence in Latin America can be traced as far back as several centuries ago, thus giving a reason for the high prevalence of Catholicism in the region. Throughout the ages, the Catholic Church has had a significant impact in Latin America in various areas including in Education, healthcare as well as the registration of deaths and births. In governance, the Catholic Church has had a significant influence in different Latin American nations, enjoying state privileges in some countries, becoming the official state religion in others. Fast forward, a lot has changed in Latin America past threatening the dominance of the church in the region. Under the papacy of Pope Francis, new and stronger relations are resuming between Latin America and the Holy See. The relations of the church in the recent past with Latin America have been dynamic with different authorities displaying varying relationships with the Holy See. This paper seeks to establish the relations between the Holy See and Latin America before Pope Francis assumed office. Specifically, it highlights their relations during the 20th century and the early 21st century and how these relations have shaped the current nature of Catholicism in the region. Research Question What relations have existed between the different Latin American States and the Holy See during the 20th century and at the start of the 21st century? How have the relations between the Holy See and Latin America impacted on the influence of Catholicism over the years? What are some of the new policies enacted and adopted by the Catholic in the latter half of the 20th century in Latin America, and how have they influenced the relations between two? Theoretical Framework Various literature works exist in regards to Catholicism throughout the world. Different authors and researchers have produced diverse materials through in-depth research on the Impact of the Catholic Church in various parts of the world. Latin America is no exception, and numerous can be used in understanding the role of the Catholic Church in the region. For this research, it is quite challenging to access firsthand accounts and primary data in the quest to answer the research questions. In that consideration, therefore, reviewing the literature of various credible authors will be valuable in understanding the relations between the Holy See and Latin America. For example, Christine Gustafson’s The Pope and Latin America: Mission from the Periphery offers critical analysis with a credible foundation and theoretical framework for this analysis. Additionally, other relevant sources will be used to provide a more in-depth review in answering the abovementioned research questions. Literature review Before the entry of Pope Francis in 2013, the Catholic Church has had varying relations with Latin America. Catholicism traces its roots in Latin America from the arrival of Europeans in the region (Kearney; Gustafson 190). Even after gaining of independence among the Latin American states, the Catholic remained an integral part of the society, remaining as the official religion in most of the countries. With such an important position, the church played critical roles in issues such as education, healthcare and the registration of births and deaths (Gustafson 190). Additionally, the church remained in privileged status enjoying close relations with most of the Latin American nations, such as Argentina in the late 19th century and early 20th century (Gustafson 191). The presence of authoritarianism and dictatorial regimes in the region, however, caused a shift in the good relations and the Catholic made fundamental changes in its commitments. A notable change happened during the liberationist wave in the 1960s where the Catholic Church redefined her commitments and sought to develop new relations. Gustafson notes that the abrupt shift was motivated by the rise of the liberation theology in the mid-twentieth century and the subsequent reforms of the Second Vatican Council a decade later (191). Consequently, the attention of the church was changed to focus on the poor and the disadvantaged in society (Boff and Boff; Gustafson191). The Catholic Church lobbied for societal liberation from a tyrannical government, advocated for religious freedom and respect for human rights (Vatican II; Gustafson191). The Catholic Church increased its involvement in societal matters by sponsoring literacy campaigns that targeted the poor and marginalized communities in many Latin American states (Gustafson191). The shift by the Catholic Church redefined its relations with the Latinos by challenging the perpetual human rights violations imposed by the then tyrannical establishments. The Catholic Church Liberation Theology in Latin America was instrumental in the subsequent changes that took place in the region. The Liberation Theology was a reformist theological approach adopted by the Catholic Church that emerged from Gaudium et Spes, a document approved at the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). The document discussed the role of the church in the world in bringing freedom, human rights, and democracy (Manuel 24). These discussions were held during the meetings of the Council of Latin American Bishops in Colombia (1968), and Mexico (1979) (Manuel 24). However, the reign of John Paul II and Benedict XVI saw a disassociation of...