The Bishops of Peru publish a message ahead of the country’s upcoming elections, warning that the country needs authorities "characterized by honesty, transparency, and coherence between their words and their actions."
Vatican News As Peru prepares for the electoral process this year, the Peruvian Bishops' Conference published a message on 15 March urging that “the electoral process be experienced as a moment of ethical discernment and civic responsibility.” The Bishops emphasize that Peru needs “authorities characterized by honesty, transparency, and coherence between their words and their actions.” The message to the Peruvian people, signed by the Permanent Council of the Episcopate, states that “at this significant moment in the democratic life of the country, we wish to share a reflection that may help bring about change in the situation we are experiencing as a nation and guide, with ethical responsibility, citizens’ participation in the electoral processes of 2026.” Social fragmentation “We are concerned by the deep social fragmentation affecting our country,” the Bishops warn. They also point to the wounds of the Peruvian people, “marked by violence, corruption, and the loss of trust in politics and in politicians.” “The persistence of deep social, economic, and territorial inequalities, where many people continue to live in conditions of poverty, exclusion, and lack of opportunity, is difficult to understand in a country blessed with natural and cultural wealth, with its multiethnic diversity, and with the generosity and solidarity of its people. This challenges our national conscience,” they say. Ethical discernment In this context, the Peruvian Bishops urge “that the electoral process be experienced as a moment of ethical discernment and civic responsibility. More than a simple political contest, elections must be an opportunity to reflect on the country we wish to build and the democratic coexistence we seek to promote. Hence the need for voting to be informed, conscious, and responsible.” They emphasize in their message that Peru “needs authorities characterized by honesty, transparency, and coherence between their words and their actions, capable of exercising power with responsibility, competence, and a genuine spirit of service.” For this reason, they call on voters to “value the commitment of candidates to the defense of human dignity, the protection of people’s rights, public security, social inclusion, and respect for the cultural diversity of our country.” Strengthening democracy “Peru needs to strengthen its democratic institutions and have authorities who are aware that governing means serving,” they add. “National reconciliation is an unavoidable challenge. Only by recognizing our wounds and seeking truth, justice, and social forgiveness will we be able to rebuild trust among citizens and open paths towards peaceful coexistence.” The Church’s commitment The Bishops also reaffirm the Church’s commitment “to continue accompanying our people in the search for true integral human development. For this reason, we are invited to ask ourselves: What do we want to leave to future generations?” The message concludes with words from Pope Leo XIV: “I am close to the beloved people of Peru in this moment of political transition. I pray that Peru may continue on the path of reconciliation, dialogue and national unity (Angelus, 12 October 2025).” “With the Pope, today we call upon our Peru to unity, fraternity, and peace.”