In a context marked by violence, poverty, and social uncertainty, the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference issued a firm and hopeful message addressed to the Catholic faithful and to all men and women of good will living in the country, at the conclusion of the CLIX Plenary Assembly held in Quito from April 13 to 17, 2026.
The statement, titled with the words from the Gospel “Do not be afraid, little flock” (Lk 12:32), expresses solidarity with families affected by violence, acknowledges the efforts of those working to heal the country’s wounds, and reaffirms that “God does not abandon his people.”
Pastors from Ecuador’s Amazonian ecclesiastical jurisdictions also participated in this important Assembly, including Bishop Celmo Lazzari, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Napo and Ecuadorian delegate to the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA); as well as Bishop Rafael Cob, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puyo and president of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM).
A prophetic voice in the face of the people’s suffering
The bishops clearly denounced that “violence has entered our homes, streets, and schools,” recalling that those in power have a grave obligation to protect citizens with firmness and justice. Faced with this reality, they called on people not to grow accustomed to fear or to negotiate with death.
Inspired by the Gospel and the Church’s recent teaching, they recalled that peace is built from the heart, by eliminating pride and vengeance, and they urged all Ecuadorians to become artisans of reconciliation.
Poverty Is Also Violence
The bishops’ message highlighted another deep wound: the growing poverty and unemployment affecting millions of families. The bishops demanded public policies focused on quality education, accessible healthcare, and decent work, insisting that these rights are not acts of charity but matters of social justice.
This call resonates strongly in the Amazonian regions, where numerous indigenous and rural communities continue to face historical exclusion, a lack of basic services, and threats to their territories.
Democracy, ethics, and the common good
The Assembly also defended democracy as a space for freedom and fraternity. The bishops warned against corruption as a “social sin” and rejected any attempt to weaken state institutions.
They invited citizens to exercise their civic commitment responsibly: to vote conscientiously, demand transparency, and actively engage in building the common good.
The Amazon Present in National Discernment
The presence of Amazonian representatives at this Assembly reaffirms that the Church in Ecuador walks alongside all its peoples and territories. From the Amazon, CEAMA values this pastoral statement that unites the defense of life, social justice, peace, and human dignity.
In harmony with the synodal journey promoted by Pope Francis and with the vision of *Querida Amazonía*, the voice of the Ecuadorian bishops reminds us that there is no future for the nation without listening to the cry of the poor, of the indigenous peoples, and of our Common Home.
A Message of Hope
Entrusting the country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the bishops concluded their message by inviting everyone not to give in to despair and to become, each day, sowers of peace, justice, and solidarity.
From the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), we join in this prayer and commitment for a reconciled, fraternal, and hopeful Ecuador.