On November 15 and 16, the city of Valparaíso was the scene of a significant visit by the former president of Costa Rica and vice president of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez. This event is part of the Valparaíso Catholic Leaders Schoolan initiative created in collaboration between the International Academy of Catholic Leaders, the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV) and the Diocese of Valparaíso.
On the first day of the visit, former President Rodríguez had a meeting with young Chilean politicians of different sensibilities, where he took advantage of the opportunity to leave a strong message. “It is worth participating in politics. It is a very effective way to help others, when we help others we are happy too. And politics amplifies our action”the former president said. He emphasized that politics is a way to create a positive impact in the community, emphasizing that “politics is true social friendship”.
On November 16, former President Rodríguez held a master class at the School of Catholic Leaders, aimed at students and interested public. The theme of his presentation was focused on decline of democracy in Latin America in the 21st century and saw the special participation of the Costa Rican Ambassador to Chile, Ms. Adriana Murillo, along with other PUCV authorities. The lesson was moderated by Professor Juan Pablo Faúndez, director of the International Chair of Social Doctrine of the Church of the PUCV and president of the International Academic Council of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders.
The event began promptly at 12.15 pm, with the opening words of Juan Pablo Faúndez, who thanked former President Rodríguez for his presence and underlined the importance of dialogue with young people interested in public service and Chile’s political transformation.
In his presentation, former President Rodríguez reflected on democracy, highlighting the essential elements it must possess to function properly. “We must have an adequate electoral system that allows this will of the majority to express itself. We must also have a rule of law that regulates different rights, and a democratic culture, a society willing to defend democracy.”he said.
The former president also took the opportunity to address the issue of immigration, a key issue in Latin America. “The influence of the media and the ease of transport have made migratory movements much stronger, which causes reactions in the communities”he reflected.
Another relevant topic he addressed was economic inequality and low growth in Latin America, factors he considered part of democratic disenchantment. “We are the region with the greatest inequality in the world, we continue to suffer from unacceptable levels of poverty and the economic projections are not encouraging”the former president said.
Finally, former President Rodríguez cited Pope Francis and his encyclical Fratelli tutti, underlining the importance of institutions in the exercise of love and service to others. “It’s not just about helping directly, but about using institutions to do the common good”he concluded.
The event concluded with an official photo of the participants with former president Rodríguez.
Juan Pablo Faúndez, director of the School of Catholic Leaders of Valparaíso, expressed his satisfaction with the visit: “We are very happy for the presence of Don Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, former president of Costa Rica. This conference on the decline of democracy in Latin America was a precious opportunity for us. His wisdom and human quality surprised us all”.
The Costa Rican ambassador to Chile, Ms. Adriana Murillo, also underlined the relevance of the conference: “It is an honor to accompany young leaders in this space of dialogue on democracy, a fundamental value for Costa Rica. It is a great experience for young people to meet those who have held leadership positions in our region.”
The School of Catholic Leaders of Valparaíso is part of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders, an international training center present in 40 dioceses of 15 countries in America, Spain and recently opened in Africa.
What specific initiatives does the Valparaíso Catholic Leaders School implement to inspire young leaders to engage in social responsibility within their communities?
Hello, welcome to our interview segment on the recent visit of former President Miguel Ángel Rodríguez of Costa Rica to Valparaíso, Chile, as part of the Valparaíso Catholic Leaders School initiative. We are delighted to have two distinguished guests with us today - Professor Juan Pablo Faúndez, Director of the School of Catholic Leaders of Valparaíso, and Ms. Adriana Murillo, the Costa Rican Ambassador to Chile.
1. Professor Faúndez, can you tell us more about the Valparaíso Catholic Leaders School and how it aligns with the International Academy of Catholic Leaders’ mission to promote leadership and social responsibility?
2. Ms. Murillo, what were your thoughts on the meeting with the young politicians in Valparaíso? What message do you think former President Rodríguez conveyed that resonated with them?
3. In your presentation, former President Rodríguez discussed the importance of democracy in Latin America. Could you expand upon this and share some of the specific challenges you see facing democracy in the region today?
4. Former President Rodríguez also spoke about the issue of immigration and its impact on Latin American countries. Could you share your thoughts on this and how leaders can address these challenges?
5. With regards to economic inequality, former President Rodríguez emphasized the need for institutions to work towards the common good. Could you elaborate on this notion and how it can be achieved in practice?
6. The encyclical Fratelli tutti by Pope Francis was also cited during the event. How does it relate to the work being done by the School of Catholic Leaders of Valparaíso and the International Academy of Catholic Leaders?
7. As part of the visit, there was a master class held for students and the public. What were some of the key takeaways from the class, and how do you hope it will impact participating students?
8. Lastly, the School of Catholic Leaders of Valparaíso is part of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders, which has a presence in various countries across the Americas and Africa. What are some of the challenges and opportunities you see in promoting Catholic leadership on a global scale?
Thank you for your time and insights. We look forward to hearing more about the Valparaíso Catholic Leaders School and the International Academy
