During the 118th Ordinary Assembly of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, held April 14–18 in Cochabamba, the Bishops of Bolivia addressed a message to the People of God marked by an urgent call for peace, the defense of the family, care for the youth, and hope amid the social crisis the country is experiencing.
The Assembly was attended by bishops from the ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the Bolivian Amazon, including Bishop Juan Carlos Huaygua (Diocese of Coroico and Bolivia’s delegate bishop to CEAMA) and Bishop Eugenio Coter (Apostolic Vicariate of Pando and Reyes; and Director of CEAMA’s Institutional Strengthening Program), reaffirming the presence and commitment of the Amazonian Church to the major national challenges.
“Peace be with you”
Inspired by the greeting of the Risen Christ, the bishops expressed their communion with Pope Leo XIV in the call to build true peace, based on justice and truth.
In their message, they recalled that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the fruit of fraternal relationships, born within the family and extended to all of society. “Peace concerns everyone, believers and non-believers alike,” they noted.
Concern over Drug Trafficking and Violence
One of the strongest points of the statement was the condemnation of the spread of drug trafficking and the violence that afflicts families, communities, and especially young people.
The bishops warned of the rise of phenomena such as human trafficking, contract killings, settling of scores, and organized criminal structures, which weaken the moral and spiritual fabric of the country.
In light of this, they reiterated the Church’s commitment to the defense of life, from conception to natural death, and to the promotion of the common good.
The family, a school of peace and hope
The Bolivian episcopate emphasized that the family remains “God’s most precious gift,” the primary cell of society and a place where forgiveness, mutual respect, and love are learned.
They also expressed concern over the many threats facing the family today: socioeconomic crisis, violence, insecurity, ideologies, and the throwaway culture.
Education that transforms
Elsewhere in the message, the bishops called for strengthening education through values, quality, and commitment, emphasizing that the integral formation of children and youth is a shared responsibility among families, the State, the Church, and society.
They also reaffirmed the Church’s educational mission throughout the national territory, accompanying human, spiritual, and social processes.
Amazonian Presence and Synodal Path
The participation of ecclesial representatives from the Bolivian Amazon in this Assembly reflects the growing collaboration between local Churches and CEAMA, within a framework of synodality, the defense of Amazonian peoples, and commitment to our Common Home.
From the Amazonian territories of Bolivia, the Church continues to offer a prophetic vision regarding the care of creation, the dignity of indigenous peoples, and the building of more just societies.
Signs of hope
Finally, the bishops acknowledged that, even in the midst of the crisis, signs of hope are emerging: people showing solidarity, committed communities, and a deep desire for true change.
In that spirit, they also commemorated the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s passing to the Father’s House, inviting everyone to rediscover simplicity, fraternity, and love for the poor.
Trusting in Mary’s intercession, the Bishops of Bolivia encouraged the people not to lose hope and to continue walking as missionary disciples, firm in the faith and committed to life and peace.