We live in the Chaco, the second-largest biome in Latin America—a dry forest spanning over 1 million km². It’s shared among four countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and a small part of Brazil. Paraguay holds a quarter of it, 250,000 km². Half of that—125,000 km²—makes up our Apostolic Vicariate of Pilcomayo, for which I currently serve as Apostolic Administrator.
We are deeply concerned about the destruction of nature, unique in its flora and fauna, due to special climatic conditions. For half the year, there has not been a single drop of rain. From October to May is the rainy season, also the hottest period, with temperatures reaching up to 50°C. Winter, dry as well, can bring temperatures down to -7°C.
Until recently, the Chaco was used primarily for cattle ranching, mainly by Mennonites and foreign investors. The region has a population of 250,000 (about one person per square kilometer), yet more cattle live here than the entire population of Paraguay (just over 7 million). To grow pasture, forests are cleared. In the Chaco, about 800 hectares of forest are lost every day.
In recent years, genetically modified soybean seeds adapted to this climate have been developed. Cotton—also genetically modified—is making a comeback. Many ranches range from 50,000 to 100,000 hectares. Former president Cartes (a known drug trafficker and cigarette smuggler) alone owns 17 ranches in the Chaco.
A bi-oceanic highway—from the Atlantic to the Pacific—now cuts through the Chaco.
All of this has a massive impact on the environment—and on Indigenous communities, who were the Chaco’s sole inhabitants just a century ago. Of Paraguay’s 20 Indigenous peoples, 16 live in the Chaco.
Within the Vicariate (VAP), we’ve reformed an Indigenous Pastoral Team (EPI), working closely with the National Coordination of Indigenous Pastoral Ministry (CoNaPI) of the Episcopal Conference (CEP). Alongside one of the country’s first Indigenous priests, we collaborate with catechists and Indigenous leaders.
Our AM Radio “Pa’i Puku” (named after the previous bishop of the Vicariate, currently in the process of beatification) hosts awareness-raising programs focused on Indigenous Theology. And now, a new step: a “Laudato Si” program. Some EPI members meet monthly and prepare weekly shows with the radio director. These include EPI advisor Isa Gómez, a consecrated laywoman living the Oblate spirituality (this year marks 100 years since the Oblate Missionaries arrived and began advocating especially for Indigenous rights), and Indigenous women from the Nivaclé, Manjui, and Guaraní communities. The goal is to spread awareness of the Laudato Si encyclical and promote deeper understanding of the ecosystem and care for our Common Home. Each broadcast includes readings of one or two articles, commentary, and related music.
Fr. Miguel Fritz, OMI
Apostolic Administrator
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