In the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, representatives from the ecclesiastical jurisdictions of Sucumbíos, Napo, Puyo, and Macas participated in a meeting for reflection and coordination aimed at strengthening pastoral and social work in the region.
The event was attended by Monsignor Antonio Crameri, bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas and president of Caritas National Ecuador; Euclides Carrillo, executive secretary of Caritas National; Monsignor Cristóbal Kudławiec, bishop of the Diocese of Daule; and Martín Muñoz, coordinator of Caritas Spain.
The event provided an opportunity to share the realities, challenges, and opportunities facing the Amazonian territories, recognizing the need to continue creating spaces for encounter and collaboration among the various expressions of the Church that accompany the communities.
Strengthening Networks to Support the Amazon
One of the central themes of the meeting was the importance of strengthening and revitalizing the processes of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM), promoting greater coordination among the jurisdictions and organizations working in the region.
This initiative seeks to consolidate spaces for listening and joint work that will enable a more responsive approach to the needs of the Amazonian peoples, especially in the face of the social, environmental, and pastoral challenges affecting the region.
From the perspective of integral ecology, the meeting reaffirmed that caring for our Common Home is closely linked to the defense of life, the dignity of communities, and the protection of territories.
Sports as a Path to Caring for Our Common Home
During the event, the III Voz del Upano 2026 Cycling Competition was also presented—an initiative that seeks to promote community participation and care for the environment.
In this context, an invitation was extended to participate in the “Laudato Si’ Challenge,” linked to the race as a way to raise awareness about the shared responsibility to care for creation through concrete actions.
Sports thus become a space to come together, raise awareness, and promote lifestyles committed to caring for nature.
Listening to Walk Together
The gathering highlighted the need to continue building an Amazonian Church capable of listening to, articulating, and accompanying the concrete realities of these territories.
The cultural, spiritual, and environmental richness of the Amazon challenges the Church to renew its forms of presence and service, strengthening networks that allow it to walk alongside communities and respond to challenges through solidarity and hope.
These spaces for collaboration help consolidate a Church with an Amazonian face, committed to the lives of the peoples, the defense of creation, and the building of paths toward justice and care for our Common Home.
Listening, sharing, and walking together: a commitment to an Amazon where life, communities, and creation are always defended and cared for.