Claudia Sheinbaum’s rise to power has been accompanied by significant symbolism, but not the kind most Mexicans expected.
Sheinbaum, of Jewish descent, grew up in a secular household. Although she claims not to be a practicing member of her religion, identifying herself as an atheist and non-believer, she surprised the country by participating in an indigenous cleansing ritual during her first official act.
This event is a sign of disrespect towards the country. For the Catholics who make up 77.7% of the Mexican population, such acts are a direct attack on the Christian values that should guide the nation.
The ritual itself, a «cleansing» ceremony involving branches and the invocation of «Mother Earth,» was baffling to many, especially considering that President Sheinbaum does not belong to any indigenous ethnic group nor has she shown herself to be a practitioner of these ancestral beliefs.
So why engage in such a specific and symbolic act in a country where the majority of the population professes the Catholic faith? The answer seems to lie in the populism of her government, a well-known strategy that employs indigenous symbols to try to connect with the people, following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
While it shouldn’t be surprising that a political leader turns to rituals or religious ceremonies, Sheinbaum’s case lends itself to criticism since the secular state prohibits the promotion of any religious belief in official acts.
In fact, if this had been a Catholic mass or a Christian event, the radical left’s reaction would have been fierce. However, since it was an indigenous rite, the criticism is virtually non-existent.
In a country where Catholicism is the predominant religion, with more than 97 million Catholics, it is troubling that the country’s first female leader would choose to begin her government with a ritual that neither represents the majority nor aligns with her own identity.
This calls into question her true commitment to the nation and her respect for the Catholic majority, which should be a cornerstone of her administration. How can a leader govern fairly if they ignore the beliefs of the majority of their people in such crucial events as their inauguration?
Ultimately, acts like these seem more aimed at consolidating an image of a «people’s leader» than at governing with seriousness and respect for institutions and the majority’s beliefs.
The hypocrisy of the Mexican left becomes evident in the absence of criticism towards these acts. Had a right-wing politician or a Catholic leader held a religious ceremony during their inauguration, the radical voices would have sparked a storm of criticism in defense of the secular state. Yet, because it was an indigenous ritual, the silence is deafening.
This double standard in criticism reflects a clear inconsistency in the left’s discourse, which adjusts as needed to serve their ideological interests.
A president’s role should be to represent all citizens, respecting the beliefs and customs of each. In Sheinbaum’s case, her actions from day one have generated divisions and suspicions—something that has been the goal since the start of AMLO’s presidency: DIVIDING THE MEXICAN POPULATION. Now, she will continue doing the same.
The hypocrisy of this woman is incredible, attempting to appeal to the sentiments of the poor, just like AMLO. It’s almost uncomfortable to watch her videos:
Without a doubt, she supports AMLO’s policies; she has always shown her support and admiration for him. There’s no doubt that, deep down, there was no change in leadership—only a different “face,” but it will remain the same… or perhaps even worse.
Her closeness to López Obrador’s legacy will ensure the continuation of leftist populist policies, where symbolism takes precedence over real solutions to the country’s problems.
As Catholics, we must question and demand a government that respects our faith and, instead of engaging in witchcraft or practices far removed from the majority’s beliefs, focuses on solving the real problems facing the country: violence, poverty, and corruption.
Mexico does not need more symbolic gestures or magical rituals; it needs leaders committed to the values of God, country, and family. It is time to deeply reflect on the path we want for our nation and demand leadership that truly respects and defends the Christian values that have been the pillar of our national identity for centuries.
Mexico needs leaders who respect its people, their true traditions, and Hispanic values!
Joana Campos es abogada y editora con más de 10 años de experiencia en la gestión de proyectos de desarrollo internacional, enfocada en la sostenibilidad y el impacto social positivo. Actualmente dirige JC Editorial, donde ha coordinado la edición y distribución de libros de reconocidos autores internacionales y la logística de numerosas giras nacionales. Anteriormente, trabajó como abogada corporativa, especializándose en derecho penal y corporativo. Joana es licenciada en Derecho por la Universidad de Guadalajara.
Joana Campos is a lawyer and editor with over 10 years of experience in managing international development projects, focusing on sustainability and positive social impact. She currently leads JC Editorial, where she has coordinated the editing and distribution of books by renowned international authors and managed the logistics of numerous national tours. Previously, she worked as a corporate lawyer, specializing in criminal and corporate law. Joana holds a law degree from the University of Guadalajara.