Santiago.- The Catholic Church hardened its position this Thursday regarding the debate on the new Penal Code, asserting that behind the reform lie political and economic interests, rather than a true commitment to the defense of life.
The vicar of the Santiago Cathedral, priest Regino Collado, stated that the only position society should take is the protection of human life, while questioning the motivations of the sectors pushing for modifications to the legislative piece.
“I do not know what the goal or the reason for all this is, but as a Church our position is clear: to defend life above all and for all of life,” the clergyman expressed.
Collado maintained that the prolonged debate over the Penal Code has been marked by interests that, in his view, move away from the common good.
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“There are political issues, economic interests, and groups driving this debate here. I do not believe it is solely about defending life or improving legislation; there are other interests behind all of this that must be analyzed in depth,” he stated.
The priest insisted that both believers and non-believers must unite around the same purpose.
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“The goal must be only one: to defend life. We must not seek another struggle or introduce elements that put it at risk. What corresponds to all of us is to protect human life,” he emphasized.
Likewise, he considered that the country needs legislation that, in addition to guaranteeing the protection of life, responds more firmly to social problems and punishes those who break the law more effectively, always seeking the well-being of the entire society.
The statements by the vicar of the Santiago Cathedral come amidst expectations regarding the eventual entry into force of the new Penal Code, legislation that continues to generate intense debate among religious sectors, politicians, and civil society organizations.
