Amazon Synod: Final document
presented in the Synod Hall
Participants pray at the beginning of the afternoon session of the 15th General Congregation of the Synod for the Amazon (Vatican Media) |
The 15th General Congregation of the Special Synod of
Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian Region took place on Friday, 25 October, in the
presence of Pope Francis. At the afternoon session, the final Document was
presented to the Synod Fathers; and Members of the Post-Synodal Council were
elected. One hundred eighty-two Synod Fathers were present in the Synod Hall.
By Vatican News
The thirteen Members of the Council for the implementation
of the Special Assembly of the Amazon were elected on Friday afternoon, by an
absolute majority. The newly-elected Members represent the principle countries
of the Region: four coming from Brazil; two each from Bolivia, Colombia, and
Peru; and one each from Peru, the Antilles, Venezuela, and Ecuador. In addition
to those elected, three other Members will be named by the Pope. The Council
has the duty of implementing the directives of the Synod.
The presentation of the Document
Immediately following the vote, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, the
Relator General of the Synod and President of the Pan-Amazon Ecclesial Network
(REPAM) presented the Final Document for the consideration of the Synod
Fathers. In introducing the text, the Cardinal highlighted the immense work of
the Commission for the redaction of the Final Document, as well as that of the
Small Groups, which produced numerous amendments. The text, he said, is set in
the context of an urgent ecological crisis, which makes it necessary to act
without delay. The preservation of the Amazon, he said, is fundamental for the
health of the planet; and the Church recognizes this, conscious of the fact
that an integral conversion for an integral ecology is necessary. He said the
Church hears the cry of Amazonia, and the cry of the earth, which are the same
cry, and also an expression of great hope. The Synod, Cardinal Hummes
concluded, is intended to achieve ecclesial communion, with Peter and under the
guidance of the Pope.
Final vote set for Saturday
The Synod Fathers will be able to devote themselves to
reading the text on Saturday morning. The vote on the Final Document will be
held in the afternoon, during the 16th General Congregation of
the Synod.
Finally, following a tradition of the Synodal Assemblies,
Pope Francis offered to each of the Synod participants a special gift: the
medal of the Pontificate for the year 2019, which features a depiction of
Amazonia.
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