Rolando Cuellar requested the removal of Monsignor Leigue for having criticized socialism

The ruling party deputy Rolando Cuéllar has caused controversy after requesting the dismissal of the Archbishop of Santa Cruz, Monsignor René Leigue. In his petition, addressed to Pope Francis, Cuéllar argued that the Church should not get involved in politics and accused Leigue of being a spokesperson for the opposition. The priest has repeatedly asked the population for greater discernment when choosing authorities. According to Cuéllar, the Archbishop has used his Sunday homilies to deliver political messages instead of focusing on faith. He emphasized that the Church should limit itself to preaching and social work, without interfering in the country's political affairs. This occurs in a generalized context of uncertainty that the country's population has been experiencing in recent months. Cuéllar stated that the Church can't influence politics, he affirmed that Bolivia is in a democratic system and not at war. He reproached Leigue for speaking out on electoral and economic issues. This is because the ruling party's regime would be compromised by the Archbishop's statements. In his statements, Cuéllar reiterated that the Church should focus on social aid, visiting hospitals, and supporting those in need. He criticized that the Archbishop is not focused on these activities and, in his view, is diverting the ecclesiastical mission.

The prelate has also questioned the normalization of lying in society and that it is the authorities who promote this

Is the ruling party so intolerant of criticism?

Cuéllar's request is a sign of the ruling party's attempt to silence critical voicessectors of the opposition have expressed their support for Monsignor Leiguecanon law experts maintain that the dismissal of an archbishop is a complex processthe attempt to silence Archbishop Leigue reflects an authoritarian vision that seeks to delegitimize any criticism