This would be the new archbishop of Cali in the face of the eventual resignation of Archbishop Darío de Jesús Monsalve

Colombia is in a month of changing positions, some come and others go, but not everything is mobilized in politics, since there are other institutions that also seek to renew airs and change their protagonists. Santiago de Cali announced the modification that the Catholic Church will have in this city, because in the coming months the current Archbishop is expected to leave, Dario de Jesús Monsalve, who would soon be leaving office due to a vital situation.

This fact has taken the parishioners by surprise, as Monsalve Mejía has become a benchmark of the Catholic religion not only in the capital of Valle del Cauca, but also in Colombia because of his humanitarian work, because of this, doubts arose from who could take office from next year, however, in the last few hours the Archbishop himself confirmed the incoming monsignor and the way in which the process would take place.

On his Twitter account, Archbishop Darío de Jesús Monsalve, gave the important announcement: “Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Coadjutor of Cali, with right succession, Archbishop Luis Fernando Rodríguez Velásquez, Auxiliary Bishop since 2014 at the same headquarters. It is with gratitude and immense joy that we receive this deference from the Holy Father. Walking together we make more progress.” .

This process takes place at the request of the diocesan archbishop himself, because despite the fact that the appointment comes from Rome; there are few occasions when a pastoral leader requests a coadjutor bishop, since this dynamic must be argued for with a valid support that has to do with the future of the bishop in progress. The main reasons have to do with a possible forthcoming resignation, problems of greeting or if in any case the Vatican suggests it.

Monsignor Darío de Jesús Monsalve is about to turn 75 years old, the maximum age to hold office, this is due to the historical designation of the Vatican, which seeks to limit its servants, bearing in mind that, due to his advanced age, he may not perform his duties in the best way. Monsalve Mejía would have to present his letter of resignation in 2023, when he reaches that age.

In the meantime, the Medellin native Luis Fernando Rodríguez would be the one to assume this post without further formality, since his appointment as coadjutor archbishop precedes with a prudent time, after he was appointed as auxiliary bishop of Santiago de Cali by Pope Francis himself in 2014.

Regarding his appointment, Bishop Rodríguez thanked for such a high ministry and welcomed the news, mentioning: “perennial gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who appointed me to exercise my pastoralism in Cali. Heartfelt gratitude to Msgr. Dario de Jesús Monsalve Mejía for his work and generous dedication to this portion of God's people. My recognition to the clergy, consecrated, consecrated and faithful of Cali who have been able to welcome me with sincere affection and affection.” .

Likewise, the next archbishop stresses that he wants to carry out his work in the best way and give himself completely to the city of Santiago de Cali, pointing out: “I trust in your prayer, so that I can make the feelings of the Good Shepherd my own, by the time the day comes to fully assume the guidance of the people of God who are pilgrims in the Archdiocese of Cali.” .

It should be noted that Monsignor Darío de Jesús Monsalve has become a humanitarian leader throughout the country, as he is also recognized for being part of the dialogue table with the ELN at the time, in addition to trying to mediate the cessation of belligerence in various parts of Colombian territory.

KEEP READING: