Pope appeals for protection of Yanomami people’s rights in Amazon rainforest

By Devin Watkins

“I call on the political and civil authorities to ensure the protection of the people (yanomami) and their fundamental rights, and to prevent any form of exploitation of their dignity and their territories.”

Pope Francis made the appeal Sunday as he concluded Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

He stressed that Saint Giuseppe Allamano, whom he canonized during the mass, reminds Christians of our duty to care for the fragile or vulnerable.

The Yanomami are a group of approximately 35,000 indigenous people living in 200 to 250 villages in the Amazon region between Venezuela and Brazil.

Rights groups say illegal gold mining often takes place on Yanomami lands, causing social and environmental problems, including mercury poisoning in several communities.

For all people who suffer because of war

During the Mass, Pope Francis also renewed his invitation to Christians to pray for peace for people who suffer because of war and conflict.

“Let us continue to pray for the people who are suffering because of the war: martyred Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, martyred Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and all the others. And let us invoke the gift of peace for all,” he said.

In his appeals, the Holy Father recalled the celebration of World Mission Day and its theme: “Go and invite everyone to the banquet.”

He declared that every Christian is called to participate in the universal mission of proclaiming the Gospel, so that all can achieve the “joyful encounter with the Lord”.

“Let us support – with our prayers and help – all missionaries who endure great sacrifices to bring the radiant message of the Gospel to all regions of the earth. »