From April 1 to 3, 2025, Bogotá was the scene of the Continental Meeting of Pilgrims of Hope – Heading to COP30, an event organized by the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) and Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean. Key representatives of the Church of Latin America and the Caribbean, territorial networks and pastoral agents committed to climate justice and the defense of the Common House.
On this occasion, Marcelo Lemos, Executive Secretary of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), participated, sharing the experiences and challenges of the Amazon region regarding the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for a comprehensive commitment.
The main objective of the meeting was to prepare the actions of the Church of Latin America and the Caribbean for its participation in the COP30 (Climate Change Summit), which will be held in Belem do Pará (Brazil), from November 10 to 21, 2025.
Meeting Objectives
The main objectives of the meeting were:
- Strengthening Training on Climate Justice: The event sought to deepen knowledge about the climate justice and the dynamics of COP30, through spaces for ethical reflection, socio-environmental analysis and advocacy tools. The circulation of knowledge among participants was promoted, favoring learning and preparation for the global challenges that will be addressed at the climate summit.
- Joint Political Advocacy Strategy: One of the goals was to outline a political advocacy strategy for COP30, identifying key actors at the level national and regional, in order to position the Church’s proposals on the global agenda on the socio-environmental crisis. Participants defined coordinated actions to ensure that the voices of communities affected by climate change, particularly indigenous peoples and vulnerable populations, are heard in decision-making spaces.
- Consolidation of the Regional Position Paper: Work was also carried out on improving the writing of the Church’s regional position document, seeking to build consensus and structure a clear and strong message. This document will be a reference to strengthen the voice of the Latin American Church in the spaces for dialogue and decision-making at COP30.
A commitment to climate justice
The Pilgrims of Hope Meeting represents a fundamental step in the preparation of the Church of Latin America and the Caribbean to face the challenges of climate change, promoting a comprehensive approach that combines social justice, care for the environment and the defense of the rights of the most vulnerable communities. The preparation for COP30 seeks to position the Church as a key actor in international discussions about the future of the planet, with special emphasis on the Amazon and other territories threatened by climate change.
Heading to COP30
The Church’s commitment is clear: to promote concrete actions to confront the climate crisis and ensure a more just and sustainable future for all. Preparation for COP30 will be a crucial opportunity to strengthen the political and social impact of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean, working in coordination with local and international actors to guarantee a more dignified future for future generations.
With the active participation of ecclesiastical leaders and social movements, the Church is getting ready to make its voice heard at COP30, putting the needs of the Amazonian peoples and the urgency of protecting the Common House.