In the framework of COP16, the Latin American and Caribbean Catholic Church presents its own plan of commitments for biodiversity and environmental care under a integral ecology approach. 'The Laudate Deum Route' is the name of this document that addresses seven key areas of concern of the various ecclesial institutions before the social and environmental crisis facing nations. In addition, concrete actions to contribute to the joint search for solutions in four fields: civility and citizen participation; education and pedagogical initiatives; strengthening networks and alliances; and advocacy and defense actions.
The plan was officially announced this Tuesday, October 29, within the framework of a press conference offered from Cali by Monsignor Luis Fernando Rodríguez, archbishop of Cali; Monsignor Juan Carlos Barreto, bishop of Soacha and President of the Episcopal Commission for Social Pastoral; Liliana Zamudio, deputy director of Pastoral Social Cáritas Colombiana; Musamba Mubanga, Advocacy advisor for food security and climate change; Victor Genina, director of Comprehensive Human Development of Caritas Internationalis, Nicolas Meyer, coordinator of Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the meeting with the media, an assessment of the participation of the Church during these days was announced, both in the Green Zone and in the Blue Zone of COP16. Presence that has been possible thanks to the invaluable testimony of the communities and organizations with which the ecclesial institutions advance various initiatives in the territories.

With more than 30 events on “Environmental Justice, People and Communities, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Peace with Nature and the COP of the people”, the presence of the Catholic Church in the Green Zone has become visible with the participation of more than 1,000 people in person. These spaces have been key to making visible the work of the communities, in the territories on issues of reforestation, Ecological Conversion, protection of water sources, food sovereignty processes, integral ecology, initiatives that represent the discussions that are carried out in the Blue Zone, which are materialized in the work of the people in the regions", as they express it through a comunicado also released in this space.

In the Blue Zone, a space for dialogues and multilateral agreements coordinated directly by the UN, the Church has reaffirmed its work with social and environmental justice. In addition, assuming a leading role in the response to the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity, it has established three specific commitments, as they express them:

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2. Visibility of Good Practices: The Church continues its effort to highlight the good practices that emerge from and with the territory. These initiatives are not only examples of resilience, but also illustrate the tangible effects of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss on our communities.
3. Connection between Relevant Actors: Facilitate bridges between the various relevant actors, guaranteeing that communities are connected to the projects that affect them. The effective participation of civil society is crucial for the success of these initiatives.”
Under this perspective and from the teachings of Pope Francis, especially in his Encyclical Laudato Si' and its Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, the Church has built and officially presented “The Ladudate Deum Route” As explained, this document seeks to guide the vision and framework of action of the Catholic Church. Latin American and Caribbean countries facing the protection of biodiversity, the guarantee of rights and the hope of advancing in synodality for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Laudate Deum Route is not only a call to action, but a concrete plan to actively participate in crucial international forums, such as the Conferences of the Parties (COP) on biodiversity and climate change(…) It represents a deep commitment of the Catholic Church in Latin America and the Caribbean towards the defense of biodiversity and the fight against the climate crisis. In responding to the call of Pope Francis, we seek not only a civilizational transformation, but also an inclusive approach that values the wisdom of indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples.

This "ruta", whose frequent destination is the care of the Common House, privileges the compass of integral ecology; and necessary ecological conversion, especially for all believers:

The ecological conversion that is proposed is an essential step towards the common good, seeking to restore brotherhood and synodality in a joint effort to preserve Creation and offer concrete and verifiable solutions,” the statement explains.

(With information from the Communication team of the Catholic Church at COP 16)

Click on Download file to download the Laudate Deum Route.