Catholic Church Calls On People To Vote in Referendum
The archbishop of San José, monseñor Hugo Barrantes Ureña, yesterday called on all Costa Ricans to participate in the referendum vote on the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States, Central America and Dominican Republic (CAFTA).

The archbishop made his call during a speech to celebrate the Día Internaciónal del Trabajo - international workers day or May Day - from the Casa Arzobispal in San José.

Barrantes emphasized that the Catholic church will take a "prudent" or "plural" position on the subject, meaning that it will not assume a position in favour or against the trade agreement.

"Our main concern is that the popular vote is participated by the greatest number of citizens" said Barrantes, adding that the referendum is a "privileged" moment for the history of Costa Rican democracy.

Barrantes, giving his speech to members of the government, union leaders and invited guests at Casa Arzobispal also said that Catholic priests will be prohibited to discuss the TLC in their sermons or discussions, including the media, without the express approval of their bishops.

The Catholic church will take a "yes" and "no" stand on the subject, giving the priests as much information as possible on both sides of the issues of the trade agreement.

The archbishop was emphatic that any Catholic priest who wants to express his opinion publicly will have to obtain permission and that the decision did not come from the Vatican, but made locally.

Barrantes assured that the Catholic church will be 100% behind the move to get people to vote on the referendum.