Pope Affirms Indigenous Right to Cultural Preservation Amidst Historical Criticisms
In a message to the UN’s 7th Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, Pope Francis underscored indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination, emphasizing their inherent connection to land, water, and food as essential for their cultural preservation and dignified existence. He decried the harmful land seizures by corporations and states that threaten this right and indigenous communities’ livelihoods. The Pope championed the valuable contributions of indigenous heritage and traditions to society, advocating for their protection as a matter of justice and sustainable global progress. He concluded with a prayer for successful efforts to safeguard indigenous rights and ensure a future where all humanity thrives.
John Q. Hosedrinker