Catholic bishops in Colombia have called on presidential candidates Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella to reject verbal violence and promote responsible communication.

The appeal comes as the nation faces deep political polarization. Church leaders believe that curbing derogatory discourse is essential to maintaining democratic coexistence and preventing further social instability during a critical election cycle.

The call for reconciliation follows the first round of elections held on May 31, 2022 [1]. With the second presidential round scheduled for June 21, 2022 [2], the bishops emphasized the need for a peaceful transition and a respectful dialogue between opposing political factions.

In a statement shared via Caracol Televisión, the bishops urged political actors to "reject verbal violence, promote responsible communication, and strengthen democratic coexistence," they said [1]. The message specifically targeted the rhetoric used by Cepeda and de la Espriella, suggesting that their public exchanges contribute to a volatile climate.

Efforts to curb this tension have been particularly focused in the city of Cali, where local church officials have pushed for a halt to political violence following the initial vote [1]. The bishops said that the period between the two electoral rounds is a high-risk window for escalation if candidates continue to use divisive language.

By addressing the candidates directly, the church seeks to position itself as a mediator in a landscape marked by sharp ideological divides. The bishops said that the responsibility for national peace rests not only with the voters but with those seeking the highest office in the land.

“"Rechazar la violencia verbal, promover una comunicación responsable y fortalecer la convivencia democrática"”

This intervention highlights the enduring influence of the Catholic Church as a moral and political arbiter in Colombia. By specifically naming Cepeda and de la Espriella, the church is attempting to set a behavioral standard for the runoff, signaling that extreme polarization is viewed as a threat to the country's democratic stability.