Catholic World News

Colombia’s bishops seek to be ‘prophets of hope’ amid fragmentation, polarization

July 14, 2025

At the conclusion of their summer meeting, the bishops of Colombia issued a Spanish-language statement, “Your future is full of hope” (Jeremiah 31:17).

“We renew our commitment to be prophets, witnesses, and servants of hope amid the challenging realities our country is experiencing, and we call for a transformation of our outlook to value others in their inalienable dignity and recognize the sprouts of hope present in diverse communities and social organizations,” the bishops wrote in their July 10 statement.

“We are pained by the persistent fragmentation and polarization that affect coexistence among Colombians; by the political, social, and economic divisions that are deepening; and by the deep wounds caused by violence, corruption, drug trafficking, and illicit economies,” they continued. “Together with the laity, religious communities, and ordained ministers, we heed Pope Leo XIV’s call to be promoters and artisans of unity.”

The bishops added:

As prophets, we proclaim the Living Christ, our hope, through words and deeds, fostering spaces for encounter, promoting human dignity and justice.

We reiterate the call to fully respect the Constitutional Charter, the institutions of the State, and territorial entities as pillars of democracy. We call on all armed groups to cease attacks on human life and nature.

As witnesses, we remain present throughout the country, building trust with concrete expressions of closeness, aware that when the road becomes difficult, the presence of the Church strengthens spirits and rekindles hope.

The South American nation of 49.6 million (map) is 95% Christian (84% Catholic). Pope Francis made an apostolic journey there in 2017.

 


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