In response to the deep political and social crisis that is shaking Haiti after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the subsequent power vacuum, the International Academy of Catholic Leaders has convened a high-level international colloquium. This meeting, scheduled for next May 4, aims to analyze the current situation of the Caribbean country and draw up a roadmap for its transition towards stability and democracy.
Various leaders, including former presidents, cardinals and Haitian politicians, will gather at this unique event, which promises to be a space for reflection and action in the face of the challenges facing Haiti. Among the participants are Monsignor Christophe Pierre, who was apostolic nuncio to Haiti, and Monsignor Pierre André Dumas, vice president of the Haitian episcopate and who suffered an attack a few weeks ago; as well as former presidents such as Felipe Calderón of Mexico, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez of Costa Rica and Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle of Chile. “The situation in Haiti demands a comprehensive response, both political and ecclesial,” says José Antonio Rosas, general director of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders. “With this colloquium, we seek to highlight the urgency of the Haitian situation and work together to find solutions that allow a political and social solution, always framed in our values of faith.”
The event will take place through the Zoom platform:
- From 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Mexico / Central America.
- From 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Haiti, Dominican Republic, Chile.
- From 12:00 to 2:30 p.m.: Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
- From 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Spain and Italy.
To participate, you must register at www.liderescatolicos.net/haiti
In an interview with the organizers of this forum, the Italian politician Rocco Buttiglione and the American leader Mario J. Paredes, who are also members of the International Board of Directors of the Academy of Catholic Leaders, point out that this event is carried out following the calls made by the Pope Francis so that Haiti becomes a country with solid institutions, capable of returning order and tranquility to its citizens (March 17, 2024).
Messrs. Buttiglione and Paredes, why has the Academy of Catholic Leaders decided to hold this event?
Rocco Buttiglione, President of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders:
In Haiti, the State has lost its monopoly on force and the country is in the hands of criminal gangs. The citizen does not have a minimum defense of his fundamental rights. Haiti needs international help. His government asks for it, but no one listens to him. The minimum level of international solidarity is missing. The people of Haiti are outside the circle of international wealth production, which is why none of the powerful in this world care if they live or die. To none of the powerful, but to the Church and men of good will. That is why we launch this petition: we launch it to the people and to the governments, we launch it to all those who have a heart of flesh. Haiti needs help!
Mario J. Paredes, Secretary of the Academy of Catholic Leaders:
Haiti finds itself at a crossroads between terrorist gangs and the inaction of the international community. From the Academy of Catholic Leaders we not only create spaces for the formation of a new ruling class, but we also try to respond from what our conscience dictates to us to the serious problems we are experiencing, and for this we have summoned several former heads of state, prelates of the Catholic Church and Haitian leaders to make this drama visible and explore ways out of the crisis.
What do you think should be the criteria for Haiti to move towards democracy?
Rocco Buttiglione, former Minister of State of Italy:
What help does Haiti need? It needs the solidarity of Latin American countries, especially through the support of an international police force to restore the law and support a provisional government that indicates new elections under international control. In addition, it needs urgent financial aid for humanitarian assistance and to allow the economy to recover. And of course, a cultural action that must come from within society and the Haitian Church for the recovery of fundamental values, especially education in democracy and absolute respect for the dignity of the human person.
Mario J. Paredes, CEO of Somos Community Care:
The criteria and paths to solutions must be indicated and followed by the Haitians themselves. It is fundamental and necessary to create a climate of security and order and seek a democratic solution. Without a doubt, the Church has been one of the few – if not the only institutions – that has tried to involve and mediate to achieve a dialogue between the different political factions, as well as launch a development plan. Haiti for years has suffered from the indifference of developed countries. Today, Haiti calls on us and demands concrete gestures of solidarity.
