Santiago.- The Apostolic Nuncio to the Dominican Republic, Monsignor Piergiorgio Bertoldi, joined the debate on penal reform by stating that it is urgent for the country to approve a new Penal Code, considering that the current legislation is outdated and no longer meets the current needs of Dominican society.
The pope’s representative assured that, although the new piece of legislation will not be perfect, he understands that its approval should not be postponed any longer and that the provisions requiring adjustments can be corrected later.
“The Penal Code is a clamor of many in the Dominican Republic. It is urgent to change it because the existing one is very old. It will not be perfect, but it must be tested and, immediately, work to modify what is not working,” he expressed.
Bertoldi explained that he offers his assessment as an observer of the national reality and highlighted that, during his diplomatic mission, he has closely followed the country’s political and social life.
“As a foreigner and representative of the Holy See, I observe the Dominican Republic with great affection and I understand that this reform is necessary,” he stated.
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The nuncio’s statements were offered in Santiago, amidst the intense national debate over the approval of the new Penal Code, an initiative that remains on the legislative agenda and has generated conflicting positions among different sectors of society.
The representative of Pope Leo XLV presided over the solemn Eucharist at the opening, held at the Santiago Apóstol el Mayor Cathedral, together with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Santiago, Monsignor Héctor Rafael Rodríguez, in a ceremony that brought together civil, military, and ecclesiastical authorities and hundreds of the faithful.
