CNS STORY: Nuncio: Not clear if politicians heeding church appeals in Honduras

HONDURAS-NUNCIO Oct-19-2009 (260 words) xxxi

Nuncio: Not clear if politicians heeding church appeals in Honduras

By Patricia Zapor
Catholic News Service

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (CNS) -- The Vatican's ambassador to Honduras told Catholic News Service that although the two men with claims on the presidency are Catholic, it is unclear whether appeals from the church for a resolution of the political situation are having an effect.

Archbishop Luigi Bianco, who was named nuncio to Honduras in January, told CNS Oct. 19 that "it's difficult to know" whether the church's public and private efforts at mediation have been persuasive with Manuel Zelaya, removed from the presidency June 28, or Roberto Micheletti, installed as interim president by the congressional leaders who ousted Zelaya.

Both men are practicing Catholics who, since June, have used religious imagery and language that echoes church leaders, such as the late Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, in their political rhetoric.

Archbishop Bianco said Pope Benedict XVI issued a statement July 12 asking for reconciliation between the parties. The pope asked both sides to overcome "partisan tendencies" and "pursue the common good."

The local church in Honduras has been helping with mediation efforts, Archbishop Bianco said.

"It's difficult to know the situation," he said. "The bishops (of Honduras) have spoken to everyone," particularly insisting that there be no violence.

"It's important to remind everyone about the issue of violence," he said. "It's not a small thing to keep reminding people of these principles."

He also called for people to continue to pray for a peaceful resolution of the impasse. Archbishop Bianco noted that evangelicals and Catholics alike have joined in intensive prayer efforts in Honduras.

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