Bogota: Marking seven decades since the landmark 1955 General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate in Rio de Janeiro, bishops from across Latin America and the Caribbean have gathered in Bogotá for the 40th Ordinary General Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM). The milestone was honored with a heartfelt telegram from Pope Leo XIV, addressed to Cardinal Jaime Spengler, Archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of CELAM.

In his message, Pope Leo XIV extended his warm greetings and expressed gratitude for the enduring mission of CELAM—a vital force in the life of the Church across the Americas. He described the council as a symbol of episcopal unity, pastoral coordination, and evangelization amid the diverse and often challenging realities of the continent.

Acknowledging the deep suffering endured by many in Latin America due to persistent regional and global crises, the Pope urged the bishops to remain anchored in the hope of the Risen Christ. He emphasized Christ’s enduring presence as the source of strength for the Church and its mission: “Go forth to those on the margins, scarred by injustice,” the Holy Father wrote, “and proclaim the Gospel with the joy that comes from an encounter with Him.”

Pope Leo XIV’s message called the bishops to renew their dedication to ecclesial communion and missionary outreach, inspired by the history CELAM has shaped—from Medellín (1968) to Aparecida (2007)—each assembly reflecting profound theological discernment in response to the evolving challenges of the times.

As CELAM celebrates this jubilee, its gaze is fixed not only on the past but toward the future. The current assembly in Bogotá takes place in the broader context of a global synodal journey, with bishops reflecting on how to respond to today’s realities through pastoral strategies rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium.

The Pope entrusted the assembly and the faithful of Latin America and the Caribbean to the maternal protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe, “Mother of the peoples of the Americas.” He concluded with a request for prayers and imparted his apostolic blessing, offering it as a sign of “abundant heavenly grace.”

In this significant anniversary, CELAM not only commemorates its history—it recommits to walking with the People of God, listening to their cries, and leading with Gospel-centered hope and unity.