During the CEAMA General Assembly, Juan Urañavi Yeroqui, the delegate of Bolivia’s indigenous peoples, shared his experience and reflections on this ecclesial forum that brings together various stakeholders committed to the Amazon.
As a representative of the Guarayos people, Urañavi highlighted the deep sense of communion experienced at the Assembly, where indigenous peoples, laypeople, religious sisters and brothers, priests, bishops, and representatives of the Vatican come together. “We are seated at round tables, sharing together, dialoguing, and exchanging ideas on the care of our Common Home and the accompaniment of the Amazonian peoples,” he said.
A Path of Synodal Church
One of the most significant aspects of this experience, according to the Bolivian delegate, is the concrete experience of synodality. “We come together as a family. We are on a journey as the Church, walking together as one body, in communion with our pastors and with the Pope as a sign of unity,” he affirmed.
In this context, Pope Leo XIV’s message resonated deeply with the participants. For Urañavi, his words convey closeness and encouragement: “Even though he is physically far away, we feel him present in our hearts. His message confirms that we are on the right path.”
Pastoral Commitment to the Amazon
Drawing from his experience in Bolivia, the delegate emphasized the importance of bringing the fruits of the Assembly to local churches. In particular, he highlighted the recent approval of a pastoral plan in his vicariate, which explicitly integrates care for our Common Home.
“The challenge is that our parishes and pastoral teams do not remain mere spectators in the face of environmental crises. We must be present, accompany communities affected by fires, floods, and other situations, and take concrete action for our brothers and sisters and for the environment,” he noted.
Alliance with Indigenous Peoples
Urañavi also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between the Church and indigenous organizations. In this regard, he highlighted his recent participation in organizational forums in the Chaco, the East, and the Bolivian Amazon, where he was able to hear firsthand the aspirations and hopes of the peoples.
“There is a very important opportunity to walk together, coordinate actions, and build joint responses based on our realities,” he affirmed, highlighting the emerging leadership within the country’s indigenous organizations.
A Message of Hope
Finally, the delegate called on all ecclesiastical jurisdictions to decisively take on the challenges posed by CEAMA, integrating the care of our Common Home and its inhabitants into their pastoral work.
His testimony reflects the spirit of this Assembly: a Church that listens, dialogues, and walks alongside the peoples—especially the most vulnerable—in building a more just, supportive, and sustainable future for the Amazon.