In a message to the Catholic hierarchy of Latin America, Pope Francis has underlined the importance of listening to the laity, and being willing to join them in their struggle to live the Gospel in a troubled world.
The full text of the Pope’s message to the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) was made public by the Vatican on May 11. In it the Pope remarks that this week’s meeting of CELAM leaders, taking place in El Salvador, occurs against the “background music” of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Brazilian shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. He remarks: “Our Lady of Aparecida makes us grown, and places us on the path of the disciple. Aparecida is above all a school of discipleship.”
Recalling that the image of Our Lady of Aparecida was discovered by fishermen, the Pope says that fishermen have to contend with the uncertainty of the catch and the occasional inclemency of the weather. This is the plight of most working people, he said: working with “the insecurity of not knowing what the result will be.” The Holy Father went on to denounce the corruption that is prevalent in many Latin American countries.
