Priest Gerardo Ramirez, new liason between Catholic Church and Govt.

Santo Domingo.– President Danilo Medina on Monday appointed the priest Gerardo Ramirez Paniagua as the new liason between the Catholic Church and the government, replacing resigning priest Manuel Ruiz.

By means of executive order 486-14, the appointment fills the post. The Dominican Episcopal Conference had submitted a shortlist to replace its liaison with the Presidency after priest Manuel Ruiz resigned because of his opposition to Medina’s observations on abortion.

Ruiz resigned from the post eight days ago and accused senior officials of introducing unconstitutional elements to the observations on abortion to force a reform that includes the possibility of president Medina’s reelection.