The Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, addressed the sensitive issue of songs played during carnival. He acknowledged that carnival is part of the soul of the Panamanian people, a space of joy, creativity, and encounter. However, he warned that when lyrics and expressions cross the line of respect and human dignity, they cease to be healthy entertainment. “Never, under the pretext of fun, can we allow ourselves to humiliate or ridicule the other,” he affirmed. The archbishop recalled that Panama is a creative country, with more than enough talent to celebrate without falling into vulgarity. He pointed out that lyrics can have wit, humor, and criticism, but without offending or hurting. In another part of his homily, Ulloa announced that the Archdiocese of Panama has requested an independent Transparency Commission to evaluate the Church's actions in cases of abuse of minors that occurred between 2001 and 2026. He reiterated that it is possible to have carnivals that reflect the best of the country's culture and identity, without vulgarity or excess. In the same vein, he made a direct call to composers, performers, hosts, organizers, and authorities, asking them to responsibly handle the weight of their words and music and to work to ensure that carnival is a space for shared joy, respect, and the celebration of life, not for attacks or disguised mockery.
