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Arturo Lona Reyes (1 November 1925 – 31 October 2020) was a Mexican bishop who served as the Catholic bishop from Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. He served in his position for 30 years before resigning from his diocese in 2001.^[1]

Early life and career

Lona Reyes was born on 1 November 1925, in the state of Aguascalientes. He became a Roman Catholic priest in 1952.^[2] Reyes became famous for wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and huaraches and a large wooden cross on his chest.^[3]

Lona Reyes joined the church in Tehuantepec in 1971, where he took a radical view on the social situation in the city. His teachings and beliefs were based on those espoused in the Second Vatican Council of 1962 and included seeking a "popular church", able to assist the poor and facilitate social justice.^[4] In 1972 he presided over the Episcopal Commission for Indigenous People. To benefit local producers he established two agricultural co-operatives—one exporting organic coffee to Europe and another to sell sesame—with profits shared equally between members.^[2] He was famous for providing advice to indigenous peoples resisting mining, wind and timber projects on their land.^[2]

On June 29, 1995, Lona Reyes was the victim of an assassination attempt by gunmen. He is believed to have been targeted because of his role as chairman of the Tepeyac Human Rights Centre in Tehuantepec.^[5] Throughout his career he was physically attacked 11 times.^[3]

Resignation request

Lona Reyes was asked to resign in 1998.^[1] This was the culmination of several years of being accused of being a Marxist guerrilla and murderer.^[6] His opponents accused him of engaging in gun-running, fomenting political instability and aiding guerrilla movements. These accusations stemmed from Lona Reyes' support of the Coalition of Workers, Peasants, and Students of the Isthmus (COCEI), which the government believed directly influenced the group's rapid growth.^[7] For instance, in May 1979, Lona Reyes was asked by families of COECEI members taken prisoner to assist in securing their release, something the government did not look favorably upon.^[8] In response to the apparently close relationship between Lona Reyes and COCEI, the government closed churches and expelled diocesan workers. The government, however, failed to provide any evidence to show a direct link between Lona Reyes and the actions of the COCEI.^[7]

In response to the accusations Lona Reyes claimed he was being asked to resign due to his support for liberation theology, which advocated economic and political freedom as a means to ensure spiritual freedom.^[1] Lona Reyes went on to state Pope John Paul II and Archbishop Girolamo Prigione, the Apostolic Delegate to Mexico, were attempting to replace all Mexican bishops that supported liberation theology, stating that 86 of 100 of the bishops at that time had been replaced. Lona Reyes went on to proclaim that he would only resign if the Pope requested it of him personally in the presence of two witnesses,^[1] later stating:

I have been putting up with humiliating behavior from these people for 27 years, then they suddenly requested my resignation, but I did not agree. I will not resign. It would be like betraying my people, the priests, and nuns, the women, men, young people, and children^[9]

In response to Lona Reyes's accusations, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Justo Mullor cited canonical law which stated a bishop was to resign at the age of 75, which Lona Reyes was approaching. Further accusations were made by Prigione, stating Lona Reyes had failed to submit reports to the Vatican since 1971.^[10] Lona Reyes resigned as bishop in 2001, having reached the age limit of 75.^[11]

Later career and death

Lona Reyes was appointed bishop emeritus in 2000. In 2008 he received the 16th Don Sergio Méndez Arceo National Human Rights Award.^[2]

Lona Reyes was admitted to Médica Azul hospital, in Lagunas, Oaxaca, with a spinal complaint in mid-October 2020. On the third day in hospital he was diagnosed with COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, which was dangerous due to his pre-existing diabetes.^[3] He died from COVID-19 on 31 October 2020, in the Médica Azul hospital of Lagunas, Oaxaca, the day before his 95th birthday.^[12] He was cremated the same day as his death and his ashes placed in a glass cabinet in front of the main altar of Tehuantepec Cathedral until his funeral on 3 November.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Allen, John L. (2001). Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 170. ISBN 0-8264-1361-7.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Aristegui Noticias" (in Spanish). November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c Manzo, Diana (November 1, 2020). "Pesar por la partida de Arturo Lona - Estados - La Jornada". La Jornada (in Spanish). Retrieved November 2, 2020.
^ Cleary, Edward L.; Timothy J. Steigenga (2004). Resurgent Voices in Latin America: Indigenous Peoples, Political Mobilization, and Religious Change. Rutgers University Press. pp. 154, 160. ISBN 0-8135-3461-5.
^ Central America: International human rights day: Amnesty International appeals on behalf of human rights defenders in Central America and Mexico. AI INDEX AMR 02/05/96. Amnesty International. December 10, 1996.
^ Camp, Roderic Ai (1997). Crossing Swords: Politics and Religion in Mexico. Oxford University Press US. pp. 218, 273, 274, 316. ISBN 0-19-510784-5.
^ ^a ^b Grayson, George W. (1990). Prospects for Democracy in Mexico. Transaction Publishers. pp. 119, 120. ISBN 0-88738-809-4.
^ Rubin, Jeffrey W. (1997). Decentering the Regime: Ethnicity, Radicalism, and Democracy in Juchitán, Mexico. Duke University Press. pp. 141. ISBN 0-8223-2063-0.
^ "Religion-Mexico: Bishop Defies Vatican Orders". Inter Press Service. October 7, 1998. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
^ "Mexican Bishop Refuses To Resign From Diocese". Catholic World News. October 9, 1998. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
^ "Muere por covid-19 el sacerdote Arturo Lona Reyes, el 'Obispo de los pobres'". Proceso (in Spanish). Retrieved November 2, 2020.
^ Verónica Espinoza (October 31, 2020). "Falleció el obispo Arturo Lona Reyes tras 15 de días de estar hospitalizado 13:00h" (in Spanish). ADN Sureste. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020.

[Allen01-1] Allen, John L. (2001). Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 170. ISBN 0-8264-1361-7.

[ariste-2] "Aristegui Noticias" (in Spanish). November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.

[jornada-3] Manzo, Diana (November 1, 2020). "Pesar por la partida de Arturo Lona - Estados - La Jornada". La Jornada (in Spanish). Retrieved November 2, 2020.

[Cleary04-4] Cleary, Edward L.; Timothy J. Steigenga (2004). Resurgent Voices in Latin America: Indigenous Peoples, Political Mobilization, and Religious Change. Rutgers University Press. pp. 154, 160. ISBN 0-8135-3461-5.

[AI121096-5] Central America: International human rights day: Amnesty International appeals on behalf of human rights defenders in Central America and Mexico. AI INDEX AMR 02/05/96. Amnesty International. December 10, 1996.

[Camp97-6] Camp, Roderic Ai (1997). Crossing Swords: Politics and Religion in Mexico. Oxford University Press US. pp. 218, 273, 274, 316. ISBN 0-19-510784-5.

[Grayson90-7] Grayson, George W. (1990). Prospects for Democracy in Mexico. Transaction Publishers. pp. 119, 120. ISBN 0-88738-809-4.

[Rubin97-8] Rubin, Jeffrey W. (1997). Decentering the Regime: Ethnicity, Radicalism, and Democracy in Juchitán, Mexico. Duke University Press. pp. 141. ISBN 0-8223-2063-0.

[9] "Religion-Mexico: Bishop Defies Vatican Orders". Inter Press Service. October 7, 1998. Retrieved November 2, 2020.

[CWNews100998-10] "Mexican Bishop Refuses To Resign From Diocese". Catholic World News. October 9, 1998. Retrieved April 30, 2008.

[11] "Muere por covid-19 el sacerdote Arturo Lona Reyes, el 'Obispo de los pobres'". Proceso (in Spanish). Retrieved November 2, 2020.

[12] Verónica Espinoza (October 31, 2020). "Falleció el obispo Arturo Lona Reyes tras 15 de días de estar hospitalizado 13:00h" (in Spanish). ADN Sureste. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{short description|Catholic bishop}}
+{{Short description|Mexican Catholic bishop (1925–2020)}}
+{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}}
 [[File:Mons. Arturo Lona Reyes en la Parroquia del Espinal Orizaba 2019 02.jpg|thumb|Arturo Lona Reyes in June 2019.]]
-'''Arturo Lona Reyes''' (November 1, 1925 – October 31, 2020) was a Mexican bishop who served as the [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|Catholic bishop]] from [[Tehuantepec]], [[Oaxaca]], [[Mexico]]. He served in his position for 30 years before resigning from his diocese in 2001.<ref name="Allen01">{{cite book|last=Allen|first=John L.|title=Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger|publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group|pages=170|isbn=0-8264-1361-7|year=2001}}</ref>
+'''Arturo Lona Reyes''' (1 November 1925{{spnd}}31 October 2020) was a Mexican bishop who served as the [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|Catholic bishop]] from [[Tehuantepec]], [[Oaxaca]], [[Mexico]]. He served in his position for 30 years before resigning from [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Tehuantepec|his diocese]] in 2001.<ref name="Allen01">{{cite book|last=Allen|first=John L.|title=Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger|publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group|pages=170|isbn=0-8264-1361-7|year=2001}}</ref>
+== Early life and career ==
-==Tehuantepec diocese==
+Lona Reyes was born on 1 November 1925, in the state of [[Aguascalientes]]. He became a Roman Catholic priest in 1952.<ref name=ariste/> Reyes became famous for wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and [[Huarache (shoe)|huaraches]] and a large wooden cross on his chest.<ref name=jornada/>
-Reyes joined the church in Tehuantepec in 1971. From his early days Reyes began to introduce a more radical critique of the social situations in the surrounding areas. Behind Reyes teachings and beliefs were the teachings of [[Vatican II]], and supporting the creation of a Popular Church, more designed to assist the poor and seek social justice for those in need.<ref name="Cleary04">{{cite book|last=Cleary|first=Edward L.|author2=Timothy J. Steigenga|title=Resurgent Voices in Latin America: Indigenous Peoples, Political Mobilization, and Religious Change|url=https://archive.org/details/resurgentvoicesl00clea|url-access=limited|publisher=Rutgers University Press|year=2004|isbn=0-8135-3461-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/resurgentvoicesl00clea/page/n164 154], 160}}</ref>
+Lona Reyes joined the church in Tehuantepec in 1971, where he took a radical view on the social situation in the city. His teachings and beliefs were based on those espoused in the [[Second Vatican Council]] of 1962 and included seeking a "popular church", able to assist the poor and facilitate social justice.<ref name="Cleary04">{{cite book|last=Cleary|first=Edward L.|author2=Timothy J. Steigenga|title=Resurgent Voices in Latin America: Indigenous Peoples, Political Mobilization, and Religious Change|url=https://archive.org/details/resurgentvoicesl00clea|url-access=limited|publisher=Rutgers University Press|year=2004|isbn=0-8135-3461-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/resurgentvoicesl00clea/page/n164 154], 160}}</ref> In 1972 he presided over the Episcopal Commission for Indigenous People. To benefit local producers he established two agricultural co-operatives—one exporting organic coffee to Europe and another to sell sesame—with profits shared equally between members.<ref name=ariste/> He was famous for providing advice to indigenous peoples resisting mining, wind and timber projects on their land.<ref name=ariste/>
-Reyes was asked to resign in 1998. In response Reyes claimed he was being asked to resign due to his support for [[liberation theology]], which advocated economic and political freedom as a means to ensure spiritual freedom.<ref name="Allen01" /> Reyes went on to state [[Pope John Paul II]] and Archbishop Jeronimo Prigione were attempting to replace all Mexico bishops that support liberation theology, citing 86 of 100 of the Mexican bishops at the time had been replaced. Reyes went on to proclaim that he would only resign if the Pope requested it of him personally in the presence of two witnesses,<ref name="Allen01" /> later stating:
+On June 29, 1995, Lona Reyes was the victim of an assassination attempt by gunmen. He is believed to have been targeted because of his role as chairman of the Tepeyac Human Rights Centre in Tehuantepec.<ref name="AI121096">{{cite book|title=Central America: International human rights day: Amnesty International appeals on behalf of human rights defenders in Central America and Mexico|publisher=Amnesty International|date=December 10, 1996|series=AI INDEX AMR 02/05/96}}</ref> Throughout his career he was physically attacked 11 times.<ref name=jornada>{{cite news |last1=Manzo |first1=Diana |title=Pesar por la partida de Arturo Lona - Estados - La Jornada |url=https://www.jornada.com.mx/ultimas/estados/2020/11/01/pesar-por-la-partida-de-arturo-lona-3471.html |accessdate=November 2, 2020 |work=La Jornada |date=November 1, 2020 |language=es}}</ref>
-{{cquote|"I have been putting up with humiliating behavior from these people for 27 years, then they suddenly requested my resignation, but I did not agree. I will not resign. It would be like betraying my people, the priests, and nuns, the women, men, young people, and children,"}}
+== Resignation request ==
-In response to Reyes's accusations, [[Apostolic Nuncio]] Archbishop Justo Mullor cited [[Canon law|canonical law]] which stated a bishop was to resign at the age of 75. Further accusations were made by Prigione, stating Reyes failed to submit reports to the [[Holy See|Vatican]] since 1971.<ref name="CWNews100998">{{cite web|url=http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=8616|title=Mexican Bishop Refuses To Resign From Diocese|date=October 9, 1998|publisher=Catholic World News|accessdate=2008-04-30}}</ref>
+Lona Reyes was asked to resign in 1998.<ref name="Allen01" /> This was the culmination of several years of being accused of being a [[Marxist]] [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla]] and [[murderer]].<ref name="Camp97">{{cite book|last=Camp|first=Roderic Ai|title=Crossing Swords: Politics and Religion in Mexico|url=https://archive.org/details/crossingswordspo00camp|url-access=limited|publisher=Oxford University Press US|year=1997|pages=[https://archive.org/details/crossingswordspo00camp/page/n228 218], 273, 274, 316|isbn=0-19-510784-5}}</ref> His opponents accused him of engaging in [[Arms trafficking|gun-running]], fomenting political instability and aiding guerrilla movements. These accusations stemmed from Lona Reyes' support of the [[Coalition of Workers, Peasants, and Students of the Isthmus]] (COCEI), which the government believed directly influenced the group's rapid growth.<ref name="Grayson90">{{cite book|last=Grayson|first=George W.|title=Prospects for Democracy in Mexico|publisher=Transaction Publishers|year=1990|isbn=0-88738-809-4|pages=119, 120}}</ref> For instance, in May 1979, Lona Reyes was asked by families of COECEI members taken prisoner to assist in securing their release, something the government did not look favorably upon.<ref name="Rubin97">{{cite book|last=Rubin|first=Jeffrey W.|title=Decentering the Regime: Ethnicity, Radicalism, and Democracy in Juchitán, Mexico|publisher=Duke University Press|year=1997|pages=[https://archive.org/details/decenteringregim0000rubi/page/141 141]|isbn=0-8223-2063-0|url=https://archive.org/details/decenteringregim0000rubi/page/141}}</ref> In response to the apparently close relationship between Lona Reyes and COCEI, the government closed churches and expelled diocesan workers. The government, however, failed to provide any evidence to show a direct link between Lona Reyes and the actions of the COCEI.<ref name="Grayson90" />
+In response to the accusations Lona Reyes claimed he was being asked to resign due to his support for [[liberation theology]], which advocated economic and political freedom as a means to ensure spiritual freedom.<ref name="Allen01" /> Lona Reyes went on to state [[Pope John Paul II]] and Archbishop [[Girolamo Prigione]], the [[Apostolic Nunciature to Mexico|Apostolic Delegate to Mexico]], were attempting to replace all Mexican bishops that supported liberation theology, stating that 86 of 100 of the bishops at that time had been replaced. Lona Reyes went on to proclaim that he would only resign if the Pope requested it of him personally in the presence of two witnesses,<ref name="Allen01" /> later stating:
-==COCEI==
-The resignation request was the culmination of many accusations having been made in recent years. Reyes had previously complained of accusation made against him, citing him as a [[Marxist]] [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla]] and [[murderer]],<ref name="Camp97">{{cite book|last=Camp|first=Roderic Ai|title=Crossing Swords: Politics and Religion in Mexico|url=https://archive.org/details/crossingswordspo00camp|url-access=limited|publisher=Oxford University Press US|year=1997|pages=[https://archive.org/details/crossingswordspo00camp/page/n228 218], 273, 274, 316|isbn=0-19-510784-5}}</ref> stating Reyes had engaged in [[Arms trafficking|gun-running]], fomenting political instability and aiding guerrilla movements. These accusations stemmed from Reyes' support of the [[Coalition of Workers, Peasants, and Students of the Isthmus]] (COCEI), which the government believed directly influenced the group's rapid growth.<ref name="Grayson90">{{cite book|last=Grayson|first=George W.|title=Prospects for Democracy in Mexico|publisher=Transaction Publishers|year=1990|isbn=0-88738-809-4|pages=119, 120}}</ref> For instance, in May 1979, Reyes was asked on behalf of COCEI family members who went missing or were taken prisoner, to assist in securing their release, something the government did not look favorably on.<ref name="Rubin97">{{cite book|last=Rubin|first=Jeffrey W.|title=Decentering the Regime: Ethnicity, Radicalism, and Democracy in Juchitán, Mexico|publisher=Duke University Press|year=1997|pages=[https://archive.org/details/decenteringregim0000rubi/page/141 141]|isbn=0-8223-2063-0|url=https://archive.org/details/decenteringregim0000rubi/page/141}}</ref> In response to the accusation and the Reyes-COCEI relationship, the government closed churches and expelled diocesan workers. The government, however, failed to provide any evidence to show a direct link between Reyes and the actions of the COCEI.<ref name="Grayson90" />
+{{cquote|I have been putting up with humiliating behavior from these people for 27 years, then they suddenly requested my resignation, but I did not agree. I will not resign. It would be like betraying my people, the priests, and nuns, the women, men, young people, and children<ref>{{cite news |title=Religion-Mexico: Bishop Defies Vatican Orders|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/1998/10/religion-mexico-bishop-defies-vatican-orders/ |accessdate=2 November 2020 |work=Inter Press Service |date=October 7, 1998}}</ref>}}
-On June 29, 1995 gunmen opened fire on Reyes in an assassination attempt. The attack was believed to have been brought on due to his role as chairperson of the Tepeyac Human Rights Centre in Tehuantepec.<ref name="AI121096">{{cite book|title=Central America: International human rights day: Amnesty International appeals on behalf of human rights defenders in Central America and Mexico|publisher=Amnesty International|date=December 10, 1996|series=AI INDEX AMR 02/05/96}}</ref>
+In response to Lona Reyes's accusations, [[Apostolic Nuncio]] Archbishop [[Justo Mullor García|Justo Mullor]] cited [[Canon law|canonical law]] which stated a bishop was to resign at the age of 75, which Lona Reyes was approaching. Further accusations were made by Prigione, stating Lona Reyes had failed to submit reports to the [[Holy See|Vatican]] since 1971.<ref name="CWNews100998">{{cite web|url=http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=8616|title=Mexican Bishop Refuses To Resign From Diocese|date=October 9, 1998|publisher=Catholic World News|accessdate=April 30, 2008}}</ref> Lona Reyes resigned as bishop in 2001, having reached the age limit of 75.<ref>{{cite news |title=Muere por covid-19 el sacerdote Arturo Lona Reyes, el 'Obispo de los pobres' |url=https://www.proceso.com.mx/nacional/estados/2020/10/31/muere-por-covid-19-el-sacerdote-arturo-lona-reyes-el-obispo-de-los-pobres-251900.html |accessdate=November 2, 2020 |work=Proceso |language=Spanish}}</ref>
-==Death==
-Reyes died of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] on October 31, 2020 in the Médica Azul hospital of [[Lagunas, Oaxaca]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Verónica Espinoza |url=https://www.adnsureste.info/fallecio-el-obispo-arturo-lona-reyes-tras-15-de-dias-de-estar-hospitalizado-1300-h/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031222823/https://www.adnsureste.info/fallecio-el-obispo-arturo-lona-reyes-tras-15-de-dias-de-estar-hospitalizado-1300-h/ |title=Falleció el obispo Arturo Lona Reyes tras 15 de días de estar hospitalizado 13:00h |language=es |publisher=ADN Sureste |date=October 31, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020}}</ref>
+== Later career and death ==
+Lona Reyes was appointed bishop emeritus in 2000. In 2008 he received the 16th Don [[Sergio Méndez Arceo]] National Human Rights Award.<ref name=ariste/>
+Lona Reyes was admitted to Médica Azul hospital, in Lagunas, Oaxaca, with a spinal complaint in mid-October 2020. On the third day in hospital he was diagnosed with [[COVID-19]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico]], which was dangerous due to his pre-existing [[diabetes]].<ref name=jornada/> He died from COVID-19 on 31 October 2020, in the Médica Azul hospital of [[Lagunas, Oaxaca]], the day before his 95th birthday.<ref>{{cite web|author=Verónica Espinoza |url=https://www.adnsureste.info/fallecio-el-obispo-arturo-lona-reyes-tras-15-de-dias-de-estar-hospitalizado-1300-h/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031222823/https://www.adnsureste.info/fallecio-el-obispo-arturo-lona-reyes-tras-15-de-dias-de-estar-hospitalizado-1300-h/ |title=Falleció el obispo Arturo Lona Reyes tras 15 de días de estar hospitalizado 13:00h |language=es |publisher=ADN Sureste |date=October 31, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020}}</ref> He was cremated the same day as his death and his ashes placed in a glass cabinet in front of the main altar of [[Tehuantepec Cathedral]] until his funeral on 3 November.<ref name=ariste>{{cite news |title=Aristegui Noticias |url=https://aristeguinoticias.com/0111/mexico/rinden-homenaje-postumo-a-arturo-lona-reyes-el-obispo-de-los-pobres/ |accessdate=November 2, 2020 |date=November 1, 2020 |language=es}}</ref>
 ==See also==
@@ Line 28: / Line 33: @@
 {{Authority control}}
-{{DEFAULTSORT:Reyes, Arturo Lona}}
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Lona Reyes, Arturo}}
 [[Category:1925 births]]
 [[Category:2020 deaths]]
-[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholic bishops]]
+[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholic bishops in Mexico]]
 [[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico]]
-[[Category:Mexican Roman Catholic bishops]]
 [[Category:People from Oaxaca]]
+[[Category:People from Aguascalientes]]
+[[Category:Liberation theologians]]