In an atmosphere of communion and fraternal dialogue, a delegation from the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) visited the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See on Thursday, October 23. The meeting was chaired by Prefect Paolo Ruffini, accompanied by Fr. Lucio Adrián Ruiz and Nataša Goverkar, theological-pastoral director of the Dicastery.
During the meeting, Prefect Ruffini emphasized the importance of communication as an instrument of communion, capable of “building and growing ecclesial unity,” noting that the communicative experience of the Amazon can become an example for the continent and for the whole Church.
On behalf of CEAMA, the participants highlighted the need to share knowledge of the work being done in the Amazon, to raise awareness of the challenges, struggles, and hopes of the peoples who inhabit the territory. “Communication in the Amazon is not just about issuing statements; it is about communicating life, hope, and commitment to our Common Home,” said the representatives.
Prefect Ruffini expressed concern about the lack of awareness of the value of the Amazon for humanity, highlighting that the presence of communicators and pastoral agents in the territory allows them to report “firsthand what is happening,” offering communication of life and witness.
During the dialogue, the dream of structuring and strengthening the Amazonian communication network was discussed, coordinating efforts with initiatives such as REPAM and the network of ecclesial radio stations in the territory. The feasibility of more constant collaboration with Vatican News was also raised, with the aim of projecting Amazonian voices and realities beyond local borders.
The meeting reaffirmed the common desire to build a shared narrative that gives visibility to ecclesial and social processes in the region. “What makes us a network today is communication,” the participants affirmed, “which is why it must be fast, agile, and constant, at the service of life and mission.”
The Dicastery expressed its willingness to accompany a joint communication coordination project that promotes Amazonian advocacy and witness within the universal Church. It was also agreed to maintain permanent contact with Vatican News in Spanish, as a reference point in the articulation between Rome and the Amazonian territory.
Prefect Ruffini concluded by inviting CEAMA to continue to highlight content and articles that deserve to be disseminated beyond the local level and to consider regular productions with international reach.
This visit marks a new step in strengthening the ties between CEAMA and the Dicastery for Communication, with the conviction that the voice of the Amazon is also the voice of the Church that communicates life, hope, and integral conversion.