For the first time in history, the United Nations Climate Conference (COP) took place in the Amazon—one of the world’s most vital yet most threatened biomes. In Belém, where the inland waters meet the mouth of the Amazon River, people from across the globe gathered. The air was thick with the spirit of “Indigenous protagonism,” as original peoples led the way with increasing organization and awareness.
For the Comboni Family, the experience was profound. As our members noted: “Sharing the lives and dreams of these peoples gave us hope. In Belém, we truly caught the scent of mission!”
The Cry of the People
The scale of the mobilization was historic. Seventy thousand people joined the Global Climate March, demanding the abandonment of fossil fuels, the protection of forests, and fair financing for the Global South. Simultaneously, the People’s Summit united over a thousand organizations to strengthen grassroots strategies for social and environmental justice.
Despite this energy, the official COP results remained hampered by corporate lobbying and government hesitation. However, for the Comboni Family—a group of 40 sisters, secular missionaries, lay members, brothers, and priests—our presence was about more than just the negotiations. Guided by the charism of St. Daniel Comboni, we focused on three prophetic actions: Learning, Building Alliances, and Planning.
1. Learning: The Integral Mission
It is no longer possible to separate the “cry of the poor” from the “cry of the Earth.” Our vocation as Christians and defenders of life is now rooted in Integral Ecology, as championed by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’.
The Church’s presence in Belém was significant: 9 cardinals, 40 bishops, and over 1,000 Catholic representatives. We came not just with proposals, but with questions: “What is our unique contribution? What can we offer from the Gospel and our spirituality?” In the workshops and prayers of Belém, we realized that our mission must transform. We must move away from a spirituality that separates the Creator from the creature, and instead embrace an interreligious path where ethics and culture have the power to transform the world. From Rome to Belém, our celebration has become a commitment.
2. Building Alliances: Strength in Unity
In an era where democracy and peace feel fragile, it is easy to feel powerless. This is why alliances are vital. During the summit, we celebrated:
- Vivat International: Marking 25 years of 12 religious congregations (including Combonis) working together for effective political advocacy.
- The Franciscan Legacy: Joining the Franciscan family to honor the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures.
- Global South Solidarity: Relaunching the Document for Climate Justice, presented by cardinals from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Indigenous Partnership: Renewing our bond with Indigenous communities, convinced that the future of our climate will be decided in their territories.
3. Planning: A Roadmap for the Future
The 2022 Comboni General Chapter adopted Integral Ecology as a fundamental axis of our mission. In Belém, we turned this vision into concrete steps:
- Integrating ecology into the formation of new missionaries.
- Renewing the Comboni Pact for Our Common Home through spiritual and practical commitments.
- Rooting our political advocacy in local territories to amplify the voices of the marginalized.
St. Paul reminds us in Romans 8 that all of creation “groans and suffers labor pains,” waiting for the children of God to be revealed. The time for waiting has passed. Now is the time to reveal ourselves as sons and daughters of a Father who created a universal fraternity among all creatures.
Laudato Si’!
Dario Bossi, MCCJ, VIVAT Brazil
View the COP30 daily blog of VIVAT delegates here.
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