Monseñor Roberto O. González Nieves, outgoing Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Juan, published a pastoral letter on Saturday titled "Si conocieras el don de Dios," reflecting on Puerto Rico’s water, energy, and climate crises, especially their impact on vulnerable communities. He said the country’s difficulties stem from decades of structural decisions and societal omissions, stating, "I am not writing to point fingers by name. The evil I describe has roots in structures, in decisions made by many over decades, and also in our own omissions."
The letter addresses lack of water, blackouts, climate effects on low-income communities, and what he called "the other drought: the soul of a people." He addressed legislators, governors, mayors, officials, business people, scientists, and communicators, clarifying he speaks not as a political adversary but as "a pastor who has too often seen the same suffering repeat itself."
His proposals include prioritizing vulnerable populations in emergency plans, treating water access as a right, ensuring an equitable energy transition, planning land use justly, and making water and electricity state policies rather than four-year administration policies. He concluded by entrusting Puerto Rico to Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia. The letter was dated September 26, ahead of González Nieves handing the Archdiocese to his successor, Monseñor Eusebio Ramos Morales.