Within the Cáritas service structure in the region, the work of the Regional Seniors Team stands out. This work team is currently made up of the representation of 9 national Cáritas: Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru.

Between October 27 and 31, 2025, members of the team met in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, to reflect on their mission and exchange experiences, based on what they have been working on in their respective countries. At the end of the meeting, they consolidated a Declaration that defines the horizon of their intervention with older people.

Inspired by the premise that the elderly are a blessing and a sign of hope for our time, the Cáritas network seeks to strengthen its technical capabilities to have a greater impact on the region. The approach focuses on two fundamental pillars:

• Subjects of rights: Recognize older people for their active participation in the development of their communities.
• Support of the family and the life of the church: Value their historical and current contribution to the support of the family and the Church.

Urgent challenges and active listening

The declaration clearly identifies the realities that require an immediate and equitable response, in accordance with the Social Doctrine of the Church:

• The lack of support and loneliness.
• The feminization of old age and care tasks.
• The structural poverty that affects older people.

A network commitment

The final commitment is to go out to meet others through active listening, promoting together with older people a full, lucid and meaningful life.

With Pope Leo our time.

Learn about the declaration of the regional team of Seniors. Click on Download file (button below).