Asunción Cathedral rector criticizes President Santiago Peña

Aldo Bernal Chena, the rector of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción and chancellor of the Archdiocese, criticized Paraguayan President Santiago Peña during a recent homily. Chena expressed disappointment that the president appeared to be “having fun” at a rally event while medical professionals were engaged in a national strike.

The priest argued that while the president participated in sporting activities, healthcare workers were demanding better wages and improved services within the health system. Chena used the metaphor of a father to describe public officials, stating that a true father attends to the needs of his children, whereas authorities who fail to respond to citizen demands act like “stepfathers.”

In addition to criticizing the administration's lack of response to medical grievances, Chena called for the conversion of officials involved in corruption and injustice. He also offered prayers for victims, the needy, and those who feel discriminated against by state institutions.