(ADN CELAM) – Catholics with political responsibilities and pastors from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean met in Casa Lago, the venue of the Mexican Episcopate Conference (CEM), from February 10 to 14, 2025, at an event organized by the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (Celam) and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (CAL). The meeting, entitled “Fratelli Tutti: politics, dialogue, and social friendship,” aimed to promote the culture of encounter and reduce polarization in the region, in line with the principles of Pope Francis’ encyclical. According to the organizers, the aim was to promote the emergence of “sowers of dialogue” who contribute to the reconstruction of the social fabric and fraternity among peoples. The Antilles Episcopal Conference was represented by Bishop Karel Choennie (Suriname), Bishop Francis Alleyne (Guyana), Deacon Ronald Twaites (Jamaica), Neil Parsanlal (Trinidad and Tobago) and Lawrence Latchmansingh (Guyana).
Listening to synodal and social fraternity
The methodology of the event was based on spiritual conversation, a process in which participants reflect in small groups on the social and political challenges of their countries, in the light of the Church’s teaching. Among the specific objectives were: To listen synodally to the expectations of Catholics with political responsibilities on the role of the Church in the region; also, to reflect on the challenges of political and social life from the encyclical “Fratelli tutti”; and to seek concrete ways to foster social friendship and the common good.
This space of dialogue was exclusive to invited politicians and bishops from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Antilles, together with the organizing team of Celam and CAL.
Reflection on Fratelli Tutti and the Political Reality of the Region
The program of the meeting was structured around the chapters of Fratelli tutti, taking on topics such as polarization, universal fraternity, and the best policy. On Tuesday, February 11, participants reflected on The Shadows of a closed World, addressing the growing social and political divide in their countries. In the afternoon, they discussed A stranger on the way, illuminated by the parable of the Good Samaritan, to analyze the commitment to the most vulnerable. On Wednesday 12, the group visited the Basilica of Guadalupe, where they celebrated the Eucharist, presided over by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes. Subsequently, the dialogue with the theme “Thinking and gestating an open world” resumed, highlighting the need for more inclusive and supportive societies. On Thursday, they shared on the chapters “Dialogue and social friendship” and Religions at the service of fraternity, highlighting the role of the Church in the construction of more just and peaceful societies. Finally, on Friday 14 the conclusions and commitments of the meeting were to be presented, with the aim of generating a common work agenda among the participants.
Policy in the service of the common good
Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, insists on the importance of a policy based on solidarity and the common good, and warns of the dangers of populism and the instrumentalization of the people. During the event, discussions were held on how politics can be an instrument of service and transformation, moving away from partisan interests or confrontational strategies. In this regard, the conference entitled “The best policy,” held on Wednesday, sought to generate reflection on the ethical responsibility of politicians today.
