CEAMA expresses its deepest gratitude to the outgoing presidency for its generous, committed, and prophetic service during this time of consolidation and growth for the Church in the Amazon.
During its term, the presidency has dedicatedly accompanied the journey of a synodal, missionary Church rooted in the territories, promoting processes that have strengthened Amazonian identity, the participation of the peoples, and the care of our Common Home. Its leadership has been key to establishing CEAMA as a space of communion, discernment, and coordination in the service of life.
Throughout this period, pastoral, social, and formative initiatives were promoted that have helped to hear the cry of the Amazonian peoples and of the earth, responding with concrete actions to the region’s challenges. Their commitment has enabled progress in building a Church with an Amazonian face, where cultural diversity, interculturality, and co-responsibility are fundamental pillars.
In a special way, we recognize the witness of closeness, listening, and dedication of each of its members, who have known how to walk alongside the communities, accompanying their struggles, strengthening their hope, and proclaiming the Gospel in contexts often marked by vulnerability.
Representatives of the outgoing presidency
On this journey, the presidency has been composed of representatives from diverse states of life and vocations, reflecting the richness and plurality of the Amazonian Church:
- B Bishops:B Monsignor Pedro Barreto (Peru), a Jesuit cardinal and recognized leader in the defense of the Amazon. His leadership has been key in promoting a Church committed to socio-environmental justice, championing care for our Common Home and accompanying the most vulnerable peoples.
- Priests: Monsignor Zenildo Lima (Brazil), with deep pastoral experience in the Amazon, has contributed through his closeness to communities and his commitment to a missionary Church, strengthening the territorial and evangelizing dimensions.
- Religious life: Sr. Laura Vicuña (Brazil), whose consecrated life has been a sign of dedication and silent presence among Amazonian communities, accompanying pastoral and social processes with an incarnate and committed spirituality.
- Laypeople: Mauricio López Oropeza (Ecuador), recognized for his work in ecclesial and social networks, has been a key facilitator in advocacy, formation, and the defense of rights in the Amazon region.
- Indigenous Peoples: Patricia Gualinga, an Amazonian indigenous leader from Ecuador, an international figure in the defense of the territory, culture, and rights of indigenous peoples. Her voice has brought the ancestral wisdom and the cry of the Amazon to the heart of the Church.
The legacy of this presidency lives on in the processes that continue to bear fruit, in the lives of the communities accompanied, and in the vision of a Church that continues to dream and build new paths for the Amazon.
CEAMA deeply appreciates this service and trusts that her witness will continue to illuminate the Church’s journey, encouraging us to continue with faithfulness and hope the mission in defense of life, the dignity of peoples, and the care of our Common Home.