I. Historical Events on May 8th Promoting Peace
1) 1360: Inglaterra and France signed the Treaty of Calais, allowing a nine-year truce in the Hundred Years’ War, an intermittent conflict between France and England that lasted from 1337 to 1453.
2) 1429: Joan of Arc lifted the siege of Orleans, changing the course of the Hundred Years’ War.
3) 1931: Women’s suffrage was recognized in Spain for the first time in the Constitution of the Second Republic. After the Spanish Civil War and the imposition of Franco’s dictatorship, voting rights were revoked until 1977 when democratic freedom was regained.
4) 1943: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations working to eradicate hunger and ensure everyone has access to adequate food. It comprises 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, operating in over 130 nations.
5) 1945: The German marshal signed the unconditional surrender of the Nazi navy at the Soviet Union’s headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The Victory Day in Europe was instituted to commemorate the signing of the military surrender act on May 7th in Reims, France.
6) 1967: The U.S. government stripped Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) of his world heavyweight boxing title for refusing to participate in the Vietnam War. Ali was a professional boxer and activist, considered one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. He had a significant influence on politics and social/humanitarian movements advocating for African Americans.
7) 1970: The Beatles’ album “Let It Be” was released in the United Kingdom. As their twelfth and final studio album, it was recorded in January 1969 but released after “Abbey Road,” which came out in September of that year.
8) 1984: The Soviet Union announced it would not participate in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, USA, held from July 28 to August 12. Thirteen countries joined the boycott, including several that usually excelled in the Olympic medal count.
9) 2025: In the Vatican, Cardinal Robert Prevost Martínez was elected Pope and chose the name Leo XIV. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he delivered his first public speech, urging the world to seek peace and remember those who suffer.
II. Current Challenges in Mexico
1) Before becoming Pope, as a bishop, he emphasized the urgent need to promote peace and dialogue due to ongoing conflicts and polarization, largely resulting from the inability of people to communicate with one another and the existence of closed-minded individuals unwilling or unable to listen to others, as seen in Mexico’s political polarization driven by the National Palace.
2) Despite previous president’s proposals to audit his predecessor’s projects, dialogue remains stagnant. For the National Palace, it’s an opportunity to prove that official governments are not corrupt or irresponsible and, as they constantly claim, not similar to neoliberals—provided the results favor them. Failure to accept impartial review would confirm suspicions of corruption and impunity stemming from their opacity.
3) We also have the right to know the reasons and fate of the public debt increased by 62% by the previous president, equivalent to 6.7 trillion pesos.
4) A conversatory began to “listen” to experts, analysts, business representatives, social organizations, and activists interested in the harmful telecommunications reform initiative, aiming to legally support censorship, as in Cuba. There are well-founded doubts that it’s another simulated dialogue, similar to all “open parliament” events organized by the ruling party.
5) Criminals in the country no longer fear the armed forces, police, or the law. Drug cartels and organized crime are the most influential power factor in the country, as indicated by the U.S. President and other authorities from that nation.
6) We will continue to insist on the need for dialogue to restore social fabric and promote peace culture. Achieving this is everyone’s responsibility: families, schools, communities, social networks, authorities, and media, especially. Democracy is also a conversation and exchange of ideas.
7) We had progressed in building our democracy but failed to learn how to dialogue, debate, accept criticism, or tolerate plurality. Sadly, the “second level of transformation” chose to complete the demolition initiated by the previous administration. The flawed and manipulated process of selecting judges, as per the judicial reform, continues.
8) We have become apathetic, disinterested, and sometimes dehumanized. We often appear indifferent to the rapid decline in various sectors, including public security, health, and education services, without protest.
9) It’s crucial to awaken from Mexico’s nightmare. Overcome apathy, disinterest, and dehumanization. Demonstrate our ability to unite and strengthen each other.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the significance of May 8th in history regarding peace?
- Q: Who is Cardinal Robert Prevost Martínez, and what is his role in promoting peace?
- Q: What are the current challenges facing Mexico in terms of peace and dialogue?
A: May 8th has seen several historical events promoting peace, including truces during wars, women’s suffrage recognition, and the establishment of organizations working to eradicate hunger.
A: Cardinal Robert Prevost Martínez, now Pope Leo XIV, has emphasized the importance of dialogue and peace in Mexico and globally, urging unity and understanding to overcome conflicts.
A: Mexico faces challenges such as political polarization, lack of transparency in government projects, potential censorship through telecommunications reform, and the growing influence of organized crime.
*The author is a lawyer, negotiator, and mediator.
