Claudia Sheinbaum has officially taken the reins as Mexico's President, marking a historic moment as the nation’s first female head of state. Her inauguration, held on October 1, 2024, signified not just her rise to power, but also hope for renewed relationships between the government and Mexico’s influential Catholic Church.
Sheinbaum, who previously served as mayor of Mexico City and is known for her background as an environmental scientist, received the presidential sash from her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador (commonly referred to as AMLO). Reflecting on her new role, she declared, “After 200 years of the Republic and 300 years of the colony... for the first time we women have arrived to lead the destiny of our beautiful nation.” The moment was filled with optimism, and early surveys indicate strong public support, with reports showing her approval rating starting off at around 67%.
The Catholic bishops of Mexico have extended their best wishes to the Sheinbaum administration, encouraging her to govern inclusively. Their statement expressed the need for respect for human rights and the importance of strengthening institutions to protect citizens. They emphasized, “We need to live in a democratic state...and fostering a culture of mutual respect.”
Relations between the church and the previous administration were often strained, particularly as López Obrador allied closer with Evangelical leaders, sidelining many Catholic voices. The Church confronted the former president over his approach to violence and public safety, especially after tragedies such as the murders of two Jesuit priests who were killed by cartel violence. This history sets the stage for the relationship between Sheinbaum and the Catholic hierarchy.
Like many Mexicans, church leaders look forward to Sheinbaum bringing forth positive change. The National Dialogue for Peace, which the bishops initiated, has called for collaborative efforts to address the root causes of violence, and they hope the new administration will heed their call for dialogue and cooperation. Saying “The responsibility is immense, but so is the opportunity to team up with the government you lead,” the dialogue's leaders stressed the importance of assisting the many victims of violence.
Community and church leaders who worked closely with the former administration endured significant obstacles, often finding their outreach stymied by AMLO's policies. For example, the Jesuit-sponsored Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez Human Rights Center faced backlash from AMLO, especially after they advocated for truth and justice related to the disappearance of 43 students from Ayotzinapa back in 2014, which was widely attributed to police and cartel collusion.
Santiago Aguirre, who leads the Jesuit center, noted how López Obrador's approach—characterized as “hugs, not bullets”—was criticized for failing to adequately confront growing cartel violence. This complicated dynamic of López Obrador’s populism versus the Church's push for accountability remains fresh as Sheinbaum steps onto the national stage.
Despite these challenges, Aguirre expressed optimism for Sheinbaum’s presidency. He hopes to establish a more fruitful dialogue compared to what the Jesuits experienced under her predecessor. Instances of friction under López Obrador have created expectations for change as the administration is viewed as needing to carve its own identity distinct from AMLO’s policies.
Sheinbaum’s past tenure as mayor of Mexico City showcased her commitment to improving public safety—boasting significant reductions in the homicide rate during her administration. Nonetheless, these accomplishments have drawn scrutiny, with critics alleging manipulation of crime statistics to paint a more favorable image of her leadership, exemplifying the dual challenges both she and the bishops might face as they attempt to build trust moving forward.
Despite her commitment to continue some of AMLO’s initiatives, such as the oversight of public security, she openly acknowledged the need for constructive conversations with the church. “Let’s keep talking,” she remarked during the signing of the National Agenda for Peace, which outline collaborative steps forward.
On the issue of security, Aguirre remains hopeful, encouraging collaborative development of plans focusing on violence reduction and rehabilitation of community ties. The bishops’ conference has plans to leverage forums around the country to amplify the voices of those affected by violence, something they hope Sheinbaum’s government will actively support.
The potential for improved relations between the Catholic Church and Mexico's new administration is more than just political; it’s personal for thousands of families affected by violence, who are seeking answers and justice. Sheinbaum’s openness to listen and engage can help pave the way for healing and partnership.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Sheinbaum will balance the influences from both her predecessor and the Catholic Church. History suggests the Catholic Church has been both a powerful ally and a vocal critic of the state, depending on the circumstances of the day. With Sheinbaum’s promising start and the bishops’ call for partnership, there lies greater potential for collaborative efforts aimed at restoring peace and justice across Mexico.
