Media-savvy Mexican cardinal does not hesitate to speak out on issues

Published: 2005-03-16

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (CNS) -- Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iniguez settled into his chair and adjusted the golden cross resting on his chest. Then he stared into the cameras. As a dozen or so reporters swirled about, positioning their microphones and tape recorders, the archbishop of Guadalajara asked the city's young men to consider dedicating their lives to the church. "Look into your hearts and ask yourselves if you feel the calling," Cardinal Sandoval said. His words were carried across western Mexico by every one of Guadalajara's largest media groups. The press conference was part of a typical Monday for the prelate, who just an hour earlier had recorded two television messages after having breakfast with one of Mexico's best-known reporters. His media savvy has made him one of the most sought-out men for the country's feisty press corps; the evening news programs regularly broadcast his opinions on everything from AIDS to elections.

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