How Pope Francis Hit a Home Run With Querida Amazonia

Pope Francis showed his poetic side with the post-synod document Querida Amazonia. This much anticipated document summed up the Amazon Synod's work. The Holy Father describes the beauty of the Amazon, the needs of the indigenous population, the impact of colonialism, and the role of the Church.

The document states:

"I dream of an Amazon region that fights for the rights of the poor, the original peoples and the least of our brothers and sisters, where their voices can be heard and their dignity advanced.

I dream of an Amazon region that can preserve its distinctive cultural riches, where the beauty of our humanity shines forth in so many varied ways.

I dream of an Amazon region that can jealously preserve its overwhelming natural beauty and the superabundant life teeming in its rivers and forests.

I dream of Christian communities capable of generous commitment, incarnate in the Amazon region, and giving the Church new faces with Amazonian features."

Later on it states:

'The globalized economy shamelessly damages human, social and cultural richness. The disintegration of families that comes about as a result of forced migrations affects the transmission of values, for “the family is and has always been the social institution that has most contributed to keeping our cultures alive”. '

(And goes on to describe how the Church must minister to the people.)

Pope Francis states:

“Similarly, a relationship with Jesus Christ, true God and true man, liberator and redeemer, is not inimical to the markedly cosmic worldview that characterizes the indigenous peoples, since he is also the Risen Lord who permeates all things.^”

" In the specific circumstances of the Amazon region, particularly in its forests and more remote places, a way must be found to ensure this priestly ministry. The laity can proclaim God’s word, teach, organize communities, celebrate certain sacraments, seek different ways to express popular devotion and develop the multitude of gifts that the Spirit pours out in their midst. But they need the celebration of the Eucharist because it “makes the Church”.^[130] We can even say that “no Christian community is built up which does not grow from and hinge on the celebration of the most holy Eucharist”.^[131] If we are truly convinced that this is the case, then every effort should be made to ensure that the Amazonian peoples do not lack this food of new life and the sacrament of forgiveness...

This urgent need leads me to urge all bishops, especially those in Latin America, not only to promote prayer for priestly vocations, but also to be more generous in encouraging those who display a missionary vocation to opt for the Amazon region.^[132]At the same time, it is appropriate that the structure and content of both initial and ongoing priestly formation be thoroughly revised, so that priests can acquire the attitudes and abilities demanded by dialogue with Amazonian cultures. This formation must be preeminently pastoral and favour the development of priestly mercy.^[133]

^Source:

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2020/02/12/200212c.html

^{In conclusion, our Holy Father has upheld the truly wonderful gift of priestly celibacy, the role of women as non-ordained leaders in the daily life of the church in the Amazon region, and a call to prayer for vocations.}

^{I think he hit a home run with his beautifully written document. I encourage anyone who wants to read an inspiring piece to read it.}