In an inaugural address, Bishop Luis Javier Argüello García, Archbishop of Valladolid and President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, addressed the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in Spain. During the 127th Plenary Assembly held in Madrid, Argüello highlighted the importance of synodality, discernment, and the evangelizing mission in the current context.

The address began with a greeting to the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and other dignitaries present, including a special congratulation to Bishop Bernardito Auza on his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union. Argüello also fondly remembered Bishop Nicolás Castellanos Franco, Bishop Emeritus of Palencia, who recently passed away, and congratulated the new bishops appointed in recent months.

Argüello underscored the importance of the celebration of the Holy Triduum and Easter, highlighting how these festivities help us better understand the Eucharist and the mission of the baptized. “Every Sunday, we say, Jesus Christ has risen from the dead today, now,” he affirmed, emphasizing the centrality of hope in Christian life.

The speech also addressed the fundamental question of how to evangelize in today’s Spanish society, a question the Episcopal Conference has been exploring since 2021. Argüello highlighted the need for an outgoing Church, committed to the joy of mercy and pastoral conversion. “The Church lives in permanent obedience to the Lord’s command: go and proclaim the Gospel,” he declared, quoting the document “Faithful to Missionary Mission.”

Argüello also reflected on contemporary challenges, including the current global situation and the illness of Pope Francis. In response to these challenges, he proposed two initiatives: a social alliance to promote life and demography, and a call to action to address the situation of migrants in Spain.

The speech concluded with a renewed commitment to intensify comprehensive reparation for victims of abuse and the prevention of these crimes within the Church. “Let us live this Plenary Assembly as another exercise of the Lenten sacrament, which helps us deepen our comprehensive knowledge of the mystery of Christ,” Argüello urged.

The event, organized by the Spanish Episcopal Conference, took place in the “SEDES SAPIENTIAE” building in Madrid and was attended by numerous representatives of the Church and civil society.

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