How was the topic of original peoples discussed during the Synod Assembly?
The Synod Fathers knew that one of the most relevant topics was that relating to indigenous peoples. Pope Francis, after meeting with indigenous peoples in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, on 19 January 2018, had established that the main theme of the Synod on Panamazonia was linked to the defense of indigenous and Amazonian populations. Moreover, he recognized the indigenous peoples as the main interlocutors at all levels, even with the Church. For this reason, Pope Francis assumed a prophetic voice, taking a stand against all the projects that threaten the lives of the Amazonian peoples, indigenous peoples and their territories ...
What evaluation do you make of the results on the subject of indigenous peoples in the Synod?
The indigenous peoples have received special attention at the Synod ... I believe that the indigenous issue appears well in the final Document. It could be better, but it is known that the synod process is built by more than one hand. But the natives who participated in the Synod will be able to rewrite their contributions, interpret what is contained in the Document and establish new reflections, according to their specific realities. The Synod Fathers were very attentive to the voices of indigenous peoples. Many Synod Fathers stated that the representatives [of indigenous peoples] made a difference in the Synod. And it was truly so.
Can we say that this was a Synod of indigenous peoples?
I say that the Synod on the Pan-Amazon Region is a Synod of Bishops, but we natives have been part of the synodal process since the convocation, and in the process of preparation and participation of the Synod. Our participation showed that there was a time when bishops and missionaries in the Amazon spoke for us. But for some decades now, both in societies and in the Church, we ourselves have been talking about what we think, our realities, our indigenous Christian communities, because we ourselves are God's people, we are the Church, we don't want to be just recipients of evangelization, but evangelizers.
