Mexico: US Ambassador highlights the work of the Catholic Church

Ken Salazar, United States ambassador to Mexico, met with Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, Bishop of Cuernavaca and president of the Mexican Episcopate Conference (CEM), whom he recognized for his “commitment, service and effort to promote peace and dialogue.”

This meeting took place at a significant time, since Salazar’s administration will end on January 7, 2025, a few days before Donald Trump once again assumes the presidency of the United States.

In this context, Salazar attended Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of Cuernavaca, in the Mexican state of Morelos, on the occasion of the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The Mass was presided over by Mons. Castro Castro, who, after the celebration, expressed on social networks publicly expressed his appreciation for the ambassador, describing him as a “Catholic man, in love with Mexico.” The bishop also assured that “we pray for him, for his family and all his projects.”

Who is Ken Salazar?

Ken Salazar assumed the position of United States ambassador to Mexico in September 2021, appointed by President Joe Biden. During his mandate, Salazar played an active role in key issues such as migration, security and economic cooperation.

Throughout his administration, he agreed with the Mexican Episcopate on several important issues, such as criticism of the judicial reform promoted by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. In one publication in X in 2024Salazar described this reform as “a major risk for the functioning of democracy in Mexico” and noted that the proposals included “threaten the historic trade relationship” between Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Crucial role of the Catholic Church

On January 5, the ambassador shared on their social networks a photograph with Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, highlighting the “productive talk in which I recognized his efforts and commitment to advance a peace agenda.”

In a later statementthe ambassador delved into the “crucial role” that bishops, priests and nuns play “in our communities by promoting initiatives that allow us to advance our shared security for the benefit of Mexicans and Americans.”

Salazar also wished Mons. Castro Castro success “in the responsibilities he already exercises as president of the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate.”

In his statement, the ambassador highlighted that during his visit to Morelos he reaffirmed the importance of dialogue between different sectors to “deepen and expand the efforts carried out by our countries to build together a brighter and more prosperous future for our nations.”

Salazar also reported that he also met with Margarita González, governor of Morelos, with whom he spoke about “the importance of promoting academic and cultural exchanges, since I am convinced that education and mutual understanding help us build a better future.”