The official meeting took place in the library of the Apostolic Palace and lasted about an hour.
Vatican City (May 16, 2025, 2:58 PM, Gaudium Press) – On the afternoon of Thursday, May 15, Pope Leo XIV received in audience the President of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), Cardinal Jaime Spengler, along with the Secretary-General of the organization, Bishop Lizardo Estrada Herrera.
During the meeting, which took place in the library of the Apostolic Palace and lasted about an hour, the CELAM representatives expressed to the Pontiff the joy and gratitude of the Latin American and Caribbean episcopate for his election as the Successor of Peter. They also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting and collaborating with his apostolic mission.
CELAM General Assembly and COP30
One of the topics addressed was the upcoming CELAM General Assembly, scheduled to take place from May 27 to 30 in Rio de Janeiro. The event will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the First Latin American Episcopal Conference and the creation of CELAM. Preparations for COP30, to be held in Belém, Brazil, in November this year, were also discussed.
Synod Document and Materials on Synodality
Other topics included the reception process of the Synod’s final document, whose popular version was recently published and handed to the Pope. Additional materials on synodality were presented, including the latest edition of the Medellín magazine and a collection of thematic booklets.
Celebration of the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea
The celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea was also discussed. The commemoration will take place in July during an ecumenical gathering in Guatemala and will also be remembered during the CELAM General Assembly, with reflections on its relevance today and shared experiences of unity among Christians.
Artificial Intelligence and the Pastoral Perspective
Lastly, the document titled Artificial Intelligence: A Pastoral View from Latin America and the Caribbean was presented to the Pope. According to Cardinal Jaime Spengler, the audience was marked by a spirit of fraternity and attentiveness, being “a moment of great joy to be able, just a few days after the election, to meet our dear Pope Leo XIV.” (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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