The Colombian Bishops’ Conference, at the conclusion of its 121st Plenary Assembly, issued a message to the Colombian people calling for the strengthening of national unity, the promotion of a culture of encounter and the rejection of all forms of violence in language and behaviour, against a backdrop marked by the recent elections and the social challenges facing the country.
Inspired by St Paul’s exhortation: “Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3), the bishops invite all sectors of society to work for the common good, mutual respect and reconciliation, recalling that peace begins with the way we relate to one another and engage in dialogue.
During the Assembly, the bishops reflected on the formation of future priests, emphasising the need to prepare ministers who are deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, capable of walking alongside the people, listening with an open mind, recognising the dignity of every person and becoming bridge-builders where divisions exist. At the same time, they recognised that bishops, too, are called to a constant pastoral conversion that impels them to listen, engage in dialogue and be signs of communion within the Church and in society.
In its message, the Bishops’ Conference commended the widespread and peaceful participation of Colombians in the recent elections, viewing it as an expression of democratic maturity and respect for institutions. It also emphasised that accepting the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box is an essential step towards building peace.
However, the bishops expressed concern at the growing polarisation the country is experiencing. They warned that the use of aggressive rhetoric and confrontational attitudes deepens social divisions, causes emotional strain and fuels violence.
In light of this reality, they called for the diversity of opinions and perspectives to be valued as a source of wealth for the nation, promoting a genuine culture of encounter – in keeping with the teachings of Pope Francis – which would enable the building of a society based on respect, dialogue and the search for consensus.
The Bishops’ Conference also urged those in government to fulfil their constitutional responsibility as promoters of national unity, working for the common good, truth and justice, and consolidating a vision for the country that includes all Colombians without disregarding history and past achievements.
In this context, the bishops emphasised the need to ‘defuse words’, preventing confrontation from fracturing families, communities, institutions and the social fabric. They recalled that everyone is called to recognise their shared responsibility in building a reconciled and supportive society, whilst also drawing on the teachings of Pope Leo XIV on human dignity and shared responsibility.
The message also included an expression of closeness and solidarity with the Venezuelan people affected by the recent earthquakes. The bishops assured the victims, the affected families and those suffering the consequences of this tragedy of their prayers, whilst encouraging an increase in humanitarian aid for those most in need.
Finally, they entrusted the present and future of Colombia to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, the country’s patron saint, as the nation marks the 440th anniversary of the miraculous renewal of her image. They also entrusted the path of forgiveness and national reconciliation to the intercession of Saint John Paul II, recalling his historic visit to Colombia as a pilgrim of peace.