a church on a journey: communion and service in latin america

the latin american and caribbean episcopal council (celam) recently concluded its 40th ordinary general assembly in rio de janeiro, brazil. this gathering, which brought together presidents and general secretaries of episcopal conferences, focused on strengthening unity, collaboration, and the church’s commitment to the people of the continent. the assembly served as a space for discernment, prayer and episcopal fraternity, according to an official statement.

the bishops expressed their appreciation for pope francis’s ministry and commemorated pope leo xiv’s time as a bishop in latin america, as well as the 70th anniversary of the first meeting of latin american bishops in rio. they reaffirmed their dedication to strengthen the spirit of collegiality and service to our peoples amidst the region’s social and cultural challenges.

the bishops also committed to being nearby shepherds, servers of the people of god and witnesses of the kingdom. they acknowledged the pressing issues facing latin america and the caribbean,including:

• persistence of poverty and increasing inequality
• impunity and violence
• corruption and drug trafficking
• forced migration
• weakening of democracy
• environmental concerns
• secularization

synodality and ecology: key themes of the assembly

a major focus of the assembly was deepening the understanding of synodality. the bishops recognized that synodal style and spirituality have been present in our latin american episcopal council for many years. though, they also noted concerns about limiting synodality to only an ecclesial document or event and resistance from some groups to this new ecclesial style that invites the attentive listening of all the baptized.

the assembly also celebrated the tenth anniversary of laudato si’, pope francis’s encyclical on the environment. the bishops emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate and social crisis and called for changes in lifestyles and structures. they advocated for an integral ecology that we are called to build together.

hope amidst difficulties: a message of resilience

despite the challenges facing the region, the bishops expressed optimism, stating that the church continues to beating strongly amid the difficulties. they highlighted the faith of individuals, the dedication of consecrated persons, and the commitment of those building the kingdom daily. the assembly concluded with a call to action:

we renew our commitment to a merciful, synodal and exit, that listens and learns from the lights that the spirit offers to the entire people of god, to be challenged by the clamor of the peoples and has the courage to commit to them.
latin american and caribbean episcopal council (celam)

the assembly’s message emphasizes a synodal,merciful,and outward-looking church,attentive to the needs of the people and committed to social justice. the church in latin america and the caribbean wants to advance in a synodal, merciful and exit road, always attentive to the clamor of the peoples and the urgency of social justice.

faq: celam assembly takeaways

• what was the main focus of the assembly? strengthening unity, collaboration, and the church’s commitment to the people of latin america and the caribbean.
• what is synodality? a process of journeying together and listening to all members of the church in decision-making.
• what did the bishops say about the environment? they emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate and social crisis and called for an integral ecology.
• what was the overall message of the assembly? a message of hope, resilience, and commitment to social justice.