For this reason, the Archdiocese of Panama issued a statement explaining the participation of the priest David Cosca Restrepo in a religious ceremony inside St. Peter's Basilica. The Church indicates that the priest is not suspended, there is no punishment or disciplinary measure against him, and he can celebrate Mass. The Archdiocese explains that Cosca has no canonical impediment that prohibits him from celebrating the Eucharist or other acts proper to the priesthood. Everything is within the current norms of the Church. The only thing that exists is retirement due to age. There was no official mission, assignment, or institutional backing. This has nothing to do with the formal functions of the Archdiocese. In other words, he was not representing the Archdiocese. Regarding the pilgrimage where he was seen, the Church indicates that it was a personal participation, done on his own behalf. His current status is that of a retired priest without formal responsibilities. Regarding the pilgrimage and the Mass in Rome, the Church was blunt: it was a personal participation, done on his own behalf. There was no official mission, assignment, or institutional backing. He does not administer, decide, or speak on behalf of the institution. The priest has already turned 75, the limit set by canon law for leaving active pastoral positions. Therefore, he is not in charge of parishes or performs daily functions. He is retired, like many other priests, the statement says. The Archdiocese also clarifies that the priest no longer holds positions and does not officially represent the Panamanian Church. The Mass was in the Vatican, the video circulated on social media, and the comment spread on the street.
