The off-the-wall utterances of Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, the controversial former archbishop of Guadalajara, have never ceased to amaze citizens of this region, apart, perhaps, from the most ardently faithful of his followers.
But his latest outburst minimizing the Covid-19 pandemic has left almost everyone scratching their heads. During a homily recorded recently and disseminated on social media, the prelate launched a broadside at authorities and their rigorous restrictions and protocols, especially regarding the wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing.
“Every day they say put on your mask, don’t leave your house, keep your distance. They are insisting and insisting all the time and people believe them. I have eight or nine months without wearing a mask and I greet half the world.”
Sandoval went on to offer advice to anyone who becomes infected: “If you get sick from Covid, a guayabita tea or chlorine dioxide will cure you, so don’t be afraid.”
He asked his followers not to fear the virus, because fear inhibits the immune system and allows the advance of diseases.
Even though Sandoval said he personally doesn’t follow the rules, he said others ought to observe the Covid protocols, “so they can’t say the church is responsible for all the deaths.”