Foreign-owned mining companies are threatening the lands of indigenous peoples in the Amazon, writes Luke Stocking of Caritas Canada. Four Mura villages are part of a test case of more responsible business practices.

“There are circles and sectors that present themselves as ilustrados (enlightened) — they sequester the proclamation of the gospel through a distorted reasoning that divides the world between ‘civilized’ and ‘barbaric,'” Francis said. "On this basis, contempt can develop for people considered to be second rate,” he said, adding that “all this also emerged during the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.”

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been recorded several times stating that he does not agree with the number and size of indigenous territories.

In a daylong meeting at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences Oct. 28, the governors made short presentations about steps they are taking toward sustainable development and problems they face.

One of the most significant questions we now face in the church is how to commit to the path of “synodal conversion,” overcoming fear and distrust.

Pope Francis strongly denounced “predatory models” that are posing a deadly threat to the lives of the 34 million inhabitants of the Amazonian region.