Given the ten years of Pope Francis’ pontificate, the Academy of Latin American Catholic Leaders had the sense to implement webinar: “International Seminary, 10 years of Pope Francis. The legacy and contributions of his pontificate”.

With greetings and very important brief reflections from Cardinal Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar, President of the Academy, and greetings with numerous reflections from important persons such as Monsignor Héctor Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, President of Celam, and Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston. There were interventions of the highest level.

Former Costa Rican President Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, a dear friend, gave a presentation on Pope Francis’ commitment to peace. In his presentation, he mentioned number 205 of Pope Francis’ encyclical Evangelii Gaudiumwhich I quote verbatim below:

“205. I pray to God to increase the number of politicians who are able to enter into an authentic dialogue that is effectively aimed at healing the deep roots, and not the appearance of the evils of our world! Politics, so denigrated, is a very high profession, it is one of the most precious forms of charity, because it strives for the common good. We must make sure that charity “is not only the beginning of micro-relationships, such as friendships, family or small groups, but also macro-relationships, such as social, economic and political relations.” I am asking the Lord to give us more politicians who truly hurt society, people, and the lives of the poor!

As I thought about this expression I said to myself: “Holy Father, ask much more for Ecuador than for any other country.”

But not only is political practice completely far from the principles mentioned here, but also that the shadow of crushing mediocrity now covers many, if not almost all actors. This is very much against the wish of the Holy Father, that the number of capable politicians grows.

IACHR Rapporteur for Ecuador calls for respect for constitutional order and due process before possible impeachment of Guillermo Lasso

Let’s look at the famous parliamentary report. Let’s dwell on just one thing: the level of intellectual capacity, the level of knowledge of the law, the level of knowledge of reality that this report reveals about those who prepared it and voted on it in the Assembly.

That there were not enough legislators who said that out of respect for the country should submit a report with the necessary minimum quality shows the level of absolute mediocrity that covers the political task of Ecuador today.

A few decades ago, students went to the Assembly (then Congress), sat on the bleachers to learn public speaking, syntax, grammar and language management.

Today, students have to go to the Assembly to draw up a report on the abominations of the language, the marginalization of legal weakness and the ridiculousness of political argumentation.

It’s not about whether or not the president should go to Congress. In the constitution is what the Parliament can do or the president can do by dissolving the Parliament.

It’s about basic respect for the homeland, working with the minimum professional quality and command of the language that is needed so that they don’t resent us who pay taxes that the state pays their salaries. (OR)