Integral ecology, which is a fundamental part of the Church’s proclamation of the Gospel and the concrete exercise of charity, calls urgently for a new solidarity between the various sectors of the human family but in a very special way with the indigenous peoples, particularly in the Amazonia. His Grace Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York made the point at an international conference on “Integral Ecology” in the Amazon region and other biomes, being held in Georgetown University, Washington DC, March 19-21. The Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) is organizing the conference.
As reported by Vatican news, In a lengthy speech, the Vatican diplomat elaborated the efforts and commitment of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Holy See and the United Nations to the indigenous people and their cause. His Excellency Archbishop Auza noted that Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Sì”, urges all to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions, not merely out of defense for their rights but in recognition of how much indigenous peoples have to teach the world about the integrated ecology that the Church vigorously proclaims as part of the Gospel of Creation. They indicate lines of proper ecological conversion and ecological education.
His Excellency Archbishop Auza also highlighted the UN’s commitment to the indigenous peoples and their issues. Through the annual Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII), that brings representatives of indigenous people from around the world in New York, he said, the UN highlights their economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
