Ecclesial Networks for Integral Ecology meet in Rome

The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development hosted a face-to-face meeting of representatives of the "Ecclesial Networks Alliance for Integral Ecology", better known by its acronym ENA.

The meeting, which took place from 2 to 4 July at the Vatican’s San Calisto Palace, brought together representatives from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe, who reflected on the identity, vocation and mission of this "network of networks" which seeks to apply the Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si'.

The initiative was attended by around 45 members of Ecclesial Networks of Integral Ecology from seven biomes in the world: Amazonia (REPAM), Mesoamerica (REMAM), Acuifero Guarani and Gran Chacho (REGCHAG), Congo Basin (REBAC), Asia Pacific and Oceania (RAOEN), and other networks in Canada, the United States and Europe, such as the General Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC).

The event was also attended by special guests in some sessions, such as the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Mario Grech and the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Michael Czerny.

During a session on 4 July, Cardinal Michael Czerny heard the testimonies of several participants and answered different questions. Among the suggested councils, the Cardinal invited people to read the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium and the different pastoral guidelines to accompany people displaced by climate change and other conflicts.

ENA Coordinator Mauricio López stressed that this alliance of networks aims to be a space for listening to the bishops, to the ecclesial realities and the different voices in the territories and that it seeks to have a minimum structure to accompany the native peoples and seek new ways to promote integral ecology.