The focus of the official discourse of the Catholic Church groups together issues that correspond to areas of public administration, including security, economy, basic services and social policies
SANTO DOMINGO. – In its first six interventions, the 2026 Seven Last Words Sermon establishes a diagnosis of the social situation in the Dominican Republic, with references to violence, economic pressure and inequality.
The preachers point out that problems such as "crime, violence, especially femicides, theft and citizen insecurity" persist in the country, along with "the high cost of the basic food basket and inflation" and "unemployment and low wages to cover the basic food basket".
The text also includes corruption and impunity as part of social concerns, as well as deficiencies in health and education systems, indicating that they "do not meet the necessary investment goals.".
On the economic front, the sermon links the increase in fuel prices to the general rise in the cost of living, noting that "the rise in gasoline prices makes everything more expensive.".
The preachers present these elements as factors that "affect the quality of life of citizens and generate a feeling of vulnerability," both in urban and rural areas.
In environmental matters, the sermon introduces a more concrete point by raising the need to "strictly enforce the law," referring to current legislation on the protection of natural resources, and mentions deforestation, pollution, and waste management as urgent issues.
The first six words paint a picture of structural problems that coincide with areas under public responsibility.
The preachers describe shortcomings related to public administration. They speak of “corruption and impunity in public institutions,” of “deficiencies in the health and education systems,” and of problems such as insecurity, violence, and the cost of living.
That type of formulation, in ecclesiastical language, functions as an institutional claim without personalizing responsibilities.
On the environmental issue, the sermon is more explicit in asking to "strictly apply the law," which implies questioning the execution and compliance with existing regulations, in this case Law 64-00.
The 2026 Seven Last Words Sermon was read by members of the clergy and consecrated life, each in charge of one of the reflections.
The First Word, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” was delivered by Father Francisco Benito Alvarado; the Second, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” was delivered by Father Mario de la Cruz Campusano; and the Third, “Here is your son; here is your Mother,” was read by Deacon José Ricardo Rosado.
The Fourth Word, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, was read by Father Candelario Mejía; the Fifth, “I thirst”, by Sister Zoila María Mercedes; and the Sixth, “It is finished”, by Deacon Juan Evangelista Rivas Morillo.
Each intervention was part of the comprehensive reading of the sermon, which focused on religious reflections linked to the social reality of the country.
