Bishops Across Americas Name Shared Concerns
Eleven Catholic Bishops from the United States, Canada, and Latin America met in Tampa, Florida, for a biennial gathering aimed at strengthening continental unity.
The meeting brought together representatives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), and the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM).
Following a three-day retreat (February 15–17), the bishops issued a joint statement titled “Message to the People of God on Pilgrimage in the Americas,” reaffirming their commitment to “walk together” as one Church. Despite the diverse national contexts of North, Central, and South America, the leaders highlighted common pastoral challenges that require a coordinated response.
A primary focus for the group was the “profoundly human reality” of migration. The bishops asserted that “no migrant is a stranger to the Church” and called for continental coordination to support individuals from their points of origin through transit to their final destinations.
The bishops also emphasized a shared concern for the poor and the protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights. They discussed the “painful scourge” of human trafficking and “narco-culture,” as well as the growing polarization wounding public discourse and social cohesion. Finally, the bishops urged civil authorities to implement policies that safeguard the inalienable dignity of every person, particularly regarding migration legislation.
The gathering concluded with a call for parishes and families to act as “visible signs that fraternity is possible.” By focusing on a “synodal way” of governance and ministry, the bishops sought to bridge cultural and national borders, offering a message of hope and shared responsibility to the faithful across the Americas.
Photo: Pilgrimage route, available in public domain via Unsplash.