A meeting between Cáritas Internationalis, Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean and the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) brought together, in person and virtually, key actors in the Catholic sphere to chart the path towards COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. Two of the new cardinals who will soon be created by Pope Francis participated in person, Monsignor Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi, President of Cáritas Internationalis and Monsignor Jaime Spengler, President of CELAM and the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB).

This strategic moment, which took place in the Palazzo San Calisto on the morning of this Thursday, 05, aims to strengthen coordination and define objectives clear objectives for the preparation of this global event.

Dr. Víctor Genina, Director of Comprehensive Human Development of Cáritas Internationalis, who coordinated the meeting, highlighted that this meeting aims to establish initial contact with the key Catholic actors who actively participate in the COP30 process at the national, regional and global level to generate synergies before reaching COP 30, providing a unified voice that has weight at the negotiating tables. decision.

Musamba Mubanga, Senior Advocacy Manager for Climate Change and Food Security at Cáritas Internationalis, declared that we are at an important moment to talk about the issue, not only because of climate changes, but because of the political moment in which we live.

Monsignor Juan Carlos Barreto, President of the Social Pastoral of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia, has shared with those present the learnings of the Church at COP 16, which It was celebrated in October, in the city of Cali and of the Latin American ecclesial efforts with the Laudate Deum Route.

Monsignor Spengler, on behalf of Celam and the CNBB, also affirmed the importance of articulated work by the entire church on the continent, involving all actors. Next, the general secretary of the Brazilian episcopal conference, Monsignor Ricardo Hoepers, presented the steps taken so far, with the opening of an office in the city of Belém, to operationalize the work of the Catholic Church. Hoepers highlighted the privileged dialogue with the Brazilian government and considers the current moment opportune for good coordination.

For the President of Caritas Internationalis, Monsignor Kikuchi, given the numerous climate change events that the world has recently suffered, the path towards COP30 is an opportunity to join forces and work together to build solutions.

Other Caritas actors in Latin America and the Caribbean participated virtually in the meeting. This meeting was a unique opportunity to reflect, share experiences and consolidate a roadmap that allows the Church and its allies to be a prophetic voice in the search for climate justice, marking a significant impact on COP30.