During their latest plenary assembly, Haiti’s Catholic bishops expressed deep concern regarding worsening insecurity, governance failures, and the uncertainties surrounding upcoming elections.

Excerpts from the Message of Haiti’s Catholic bishops :

"Dear brothers and sisters,

[..] Our country’s descent into hell causes us increasing alarm every day. The general situation is deteriorating before our horrified eyes: on one hand, the alarming advance of armed groups occupying our neighborhoods and the surge in kidnappings—which traumatize our families and disrupt the functioning of schools and universities; and on the other, the spectacle of failing governance, unable to restore public peace or protect the population.

We are facing profound confusion, a glaring lack of leadership, and an absence of long-term vision. The population has been left to fend for itself. The horrific Kenscoff massacre remains fresh in everyone’s minds, and the blood of the victims cries out to heaven for justice https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-48020-kenscoff-at-least-61-people-killed-including-14-children.html . Amidst this bleak picture, will the gradual arrival of the anti-gang force offer concrete help to the country? Will the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces truly be able to regain control of the cities and neighborhoods abandoned to armed gangs ? Will the promises so often reiterated by the international community finally be fully kept?” However, we must acknowledge and commend the significant efforts of these public security forces, whose members sometimes pay the ultimate price with their lives. Their commitment on the ground has undoubtedly helped avert the worst.

[...] We view with deep concern the evolution of the national situation, marked by the growing grip of violence on the country’s life and its decisive influence on the political landscape. In these disastrous circumstances, the future remains fraught with uncertainty as an election—itself uncertain—approaches.

We must ask ourselves in all honesty : in what context and under what conditions will these elections be held ? Will they be truly inclusive, impartial, and transparent ? What security guarantees are being offered to ordinary citizens so that they may exercise their civic rights without risking their lives ?

Amidst this political impasse, "the Church cannot approve the formation of narrow ruling groups which usurp the power of the State for individual interests or ideological ends" (Centesimus Annus, no. 46, § 1). A return to constitutional order through the ballot box is an absolute necessity. The free choice of our leaders is a pillar of democracy.

Indeed, politics must once again become what it is by vocation : a noble form of charity in the service of the common good (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, no. 205). Without a peaceful environment, without the neutrality of state institutions, and without a sincere consensus, the election risks spawning new crises rather than bringing the desired stability. It is not enough simply to call for elections; the conditions that give them their full democratic value must also be created. The safety of the citizen takes precedence over the voting process itself. No one should be forced to choose between exercising their civic rights and protecting their life.

That is why we call for a firm, shared commitment from State authorities, political forces, civil society, economic actors, and international partners to assume specific obligations. The goal is to protect the population, address the humanitarian emergency, restore State authority, and create the conditions for credible elections.

Brothers and sisters,

It is urgent to move beyond petty factional squabbles, narrow self-interest, and fruitless hatred. Let us join hands, reconcile, and save Haiti, our shared homeland. Our Nation must relearn the art of dialogue and mutual forgiveness rooted in justice and truth [...]"

Signatories :

Mgr Max Leroy MÉSIDOR Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, President of the CEH; Mgr Pierre André DUMAS (Convalescing) Bishop of Anse-à-Veau / Miragoâne

Vice-President of the CEH; Mgr Joseph Gontrand DÉCOSTE, SJ Bishop of Jérémie Secretary General of the CEH; Mgr Désinord JEAN Bishop of Hinche Treasurer of the CEH; Chibly Cardinal LANGLOIS Bishop of Cayes Advisor; Mgr Marie Érick Glandas TOUSSAINT Bishop of Jacmel; Mgr Launay SATURNÉ Metropolitan Archbishop of Cap-Haïtien. ; Mgr Charles Peters BARTHELUS Bishop of Port-de-Paix; Mgr Yves Marie PÉAN, CSC Bishop of Gonaïves; Mgr Sander LOUIS-JEAN Appointed Bishop of Fort-Liberté; Mgr Quesnel ALPHONSE, SMM. Apostolic Administrator of Fort-Liberté; Mgr Wismick JEAN-CHARLES, SMM Auxiliary Bishop of Port-au-Prince.

HL/ HaitiLibre