Bishop Óscar Blanco delivers homily at Te Deum 2026

Bishop Óscar Blanco called for the construction of a society where everyone has a place during his homily at the 2026 Te Deum Ecumenical service for Chile's national holidays. Speaking at the Punta Arenas Cathedral, the bishop invited citizens and authorities to pray for the country and work toward a more just society through small, persevering actions.

Blanco used the biblical figure of Nehemiah to explain that building a just society requires repairing social bonds, recovering trust, and committing to solidarity. He urged people to focus on the dignity of the person, the family, and social justice, noting that the state cannot fulfill these tasks alone. He specifically highlighted the need to support those often overlooked, including the poor, children, young people, and the elderly.

Addressing the specific needs of the Magallanes region, the bishop identified challenges such as high living costs, limited connectivity, and difficulty accessing healthcare specialists in southern localities. He stated that these regional realities require true regionalization and policies that account for the unique circumstances of those living in this extreme area of the country.