QUUM
DIUTURNUM
ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII ON THE LATIN
AMERICAN BISHOPS' PLENARY COUNCIL
To
the Bishops of Latin America.
As We
remember the long course of Our pontificate, We are conscious that We
have always endeavored to strengthen and extend Christ's kingdom among
your peoples. You still remember with gratitude what We have already done
for you with the help of God, venerable brothers. Your zealous efforts
have ensured that Our deeds and planning were not in vain.
Advantages
of a General Meeting
2. But
now We want to give you a new proof of Our regard for you, something We
have wanted to do for a long time. Since the time of the solemn celebration
of the fourth centenary of the discovery of America, We have diligently
sought a way to provide for the common interests of Latin America which
comprises more than half of the New World. And We foresaw that this could
best be done if all you bishops from these regions came together for consultation
at Our invitation and under Our authority. We knew that by comparing ideas
and sharing the wisdom which each of you has derived from experience,
you will be perfectly able to ensure that the unity of Church discipline
is preserved among your peoples who are united by racial affinity; that
morals worthy of the
profession of the Catholic faith flourish; and that thus, by the concerted
efforts of good citizens, the Church publicly prospers.
Reason
for Meeting in Rome
3. What
greatly contributed to the realization of Our plan was that on being asked
for your opinion, you welcomed Our proposal with great approval. As the
time approached to make the idea a reality, We gave you the choice of
location for this meeting. Most of you indicated that you would prefer
to meet in Rome, especially since it would be easier for the majority
of you to come here than to go to some distant American city on account
of the difficulties of travel in your own country. We could only give
our complete approval to this declaration of your opinions which was no
light indication of your love for the Apostolic See. However, We are bothered
that Our present circumstances do not allow Us to treat you with all the
liberality and honor We would like when you stay in Rome.
4. Consequently,
We have already given orders to the Sacred Congregation, which is in charge
of interpreting the decrees of the Council of Trent, to convoke an assembly
of all the bishops of Latin American countries next year in
Rome
and to prescribe in due time, the rules which will govern this meeting.
5.
In the meantime, venerable brothers, We give you very affectionately Our
apostolic blessing as a pledge of heavenly favors and as a witness of
Our good will to you, to the clergy, and to the people entrusted to your
care.
Given
at Rome, at St. Peter's on the very day of the birth of Our Lord
Jesus Christ, 1898, in the twenty-first year of Our Pontificate.
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