Archbishop Fernandez: It is a person who saves us, not a dogma

Interview conducted by Andrea Tornielli – Vatican City

A theology that grows and deepens In dialogue between theologians and in conversation with science and society. But always in the service of evangelization. The Archbishop of La Plata, Monsignor Victor Manuel Fernández, believed that this was the duty that Francis entrusted to him, as evidenced by the letter sent to him by the Bishop of Rome at the same time as his appointment to the prefecture. Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith. Archbishop Fernandez was a close collaborator of Pope Bergoglio since he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In this interview with Vatican media, the new governor, who will take office in September, explains what it means today to proclaim the Gospel and be guardian of the faith.

Your Excellency, why did the Pope accompany your appointment with a message, and what does this mean?

There is undoubtedly an important meaning to this. For the Pope had earlier announced to me that, at the same time as the decree of appointment was issued, he wanted to send a letter to “clarify” the meaning of my mission. The letter presents at least six strong points for reflection, but I interpret that with this text he in some way anticipated the application of the Apostolic Constitution. Tsedei Evangelium. Indeed, it calls for a theology that matures, grows and deepens in dialogue between theologians and in dialogue with science and society. But all this is in the service of the good news. Putting this religion after proselytizing has already conveyed this message, but Francis’s message makes it even clearer. The fact that he chose a theologian who was also a conservative parish priest confirms this in another way.

What does it mean today to “keep” the faith?

François points out that the expression “to keep” is rich in meaning. It certainly does not preclude the vigil, but it does express that the doctrine of faith is preserved above all by growth in its understanding. Even a case of dealing with a potential heresy should lead to a new theological development that matures our understanding of the doctrine, and that is the best way to preserve the faith. If Jansenism, for example, can last so long, it is because there are only condemnations, but no response to some legitimate intention that could be hidden behind errors, and no proper theological development over time.

How do we proclaim the gospel, and how do we transmit faith in the increasingly secular contexts of our societies?

She always tries to best showcase her beauty and attractiveness, without tarnishing her by being hurt by worldly standards, but always finding a point of contact that allows her to be truly meaningful, eloquent, and precious to those who listen. Without a dialogue with culture, we risk seeing our message, however beautiful, lose its relevance. That is why I am grateful for the time I spent as a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture, where I learned a great deal alongside Cardinal Ravasi.

What is the meaning and relevance of the words Benedict XVI puts in the introduction to the Encyclical Deus caritas is: “At the root of being a Christian is not a moral decision or a great idea, but the encounter with an event, with a person who gives life a new horizon and thus its direction. Decisive.”?

It is good to remember these words today. No religious faith has ever changed the world if there has not been an event of faith, a life-redirecting encounter. And this applies not only to Christianity, but also to the history of religions. For example, on the crisis of Hinduism and its later revival with hymns to Krishna, and on many other occasions. Without the experience of the living Christ who loves and saves, we cannot form our “Christian being” and focusing on argument and discussion with everyone will not help ripen this development in people. This proclamation by Pope Benedict XVI invites us to develop a theology that is grounded and firmly grounded, yet clearly geared towards the service of this event.