The President of the Principality of Asturias has decided to put his political position ahead of his religious beliefs, and on Sunday, September 8th, he has stated that he will not attend the mass officiated by the Archbishop of Oviedo in Covadonga on the Day of Asturias. This decision comes after repeated homilies by the prelate Jesús Sanz Montes against socialist governments that have led Adrián Barbón to skip this year’s religious events. Barbón expressed his respect for Covadonga as a sacred place but stated that he is not in agreement with recent events. He emphasized that his decision is personal and that he does not want to be the excuse for generating tension.
Adrián Barbón’s decision to skip the mass in Covadonga on September 8th will likely be followed by the absence of the Government delegate and number three of the Asturian Socialist Federation (FSA-PSOE), Adriana Lastra, who previously criticized the Archbishop as “ultra-right-wing.” While Lastra has not explicitly stated her decision, she has hinted at not attending the mass almost simultaneously with Barbón’s announcement. The Archbishop’s communication team has indicated that they will not respond to the President of the Principality’s decision at this time.
The tradition of the President of the Principality attending the mass in Covadonga on September 8th, which dates back to 1980, has been broken due to the recent confrontations between the Archbishop of Oviedo and the Asturian Government. The Archbishop has used his homilies to criticize various social and political issues, including feminism, climate change, immigration policies, and Catalan nationalism. His remarks in 2023 included references to recent political events and comparisons to a zarzuela, expressing his concerns about the country’s direction. The Archbishop also shared anecdotes about women he had met, such as Irina, to challenge feminist movements and ideologies.
Continuing his speech, the Archbishop criticized the ecological movement and the Agenda 2030, using examples from events he had attended to make his points. He emphasized the importance of caring for all life, including unborn children and those facing difficult circumstances. Additionally, he condemned laws such as abortion and euthanasia, arguing that true environmentalism encompasses the protection of all life. The Archbishop’s remarks touched on various controversial topics, showcasing his conservative views and opposition to certain progressive policies.
The decision by the President of the Principality of Asturias to skip the mass in Covadonga highlights the growing divide between the government and the Church in the region. While Covadonga remains a symbolically significant location for many, the political tensions surrounding the Archbishop’s statements have led to notable absences at this year’s religious ceremonies. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact relations between the government and the Church in the future.
