Praia: A significant conference focusing on the Catholic Church’s role in promoting social justice, peace, and equitable development was recently held in Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde. Organized by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Santiago, the event brought together clergy, scholars, and civil society leaders to explore how Catholic Social Teaching can contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for the island nation.
Held at the Catholic University of Cabo Verde (EUCatólica), the conference aimed to deepen the public understanding of values such as inclusion, human rights, peace, and fairness, all of which are deeply rooted in the Gospel and the Church’s longstanding social doctrine. The discussions revolved around a pivotal question: What role can the Church play in fostering balanced and compassionate development in contemporary Cabo Verde?
The gathering was attended by Cardinal Arlindo Furtado, Bishop of the Diocese of Santiago, who has been a leading voice for social advocacy in the region. In his opening address, Cardinal Furtado emphasized the Church’s enduring commitment to being not just a spiritual authority but also a moral and social compass in national development.
Emanuel Miranda, chair of the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, underscored the Church's mission to act as a prophetic voice in the public square. He highlighted the Church’s responsibility to remain engaged in pressing social issues, especially those affecting the most vulnerable segments of society.
A major highlight of the conference was a keynote address by Fr. José Eduardo Afonso, Rector of EUCatólica, titled “From Rerum Novarum to the Digital Age: The Social Doctrine of the Church between Leo XIII and Leo XIV.” In his talk, Fr. Afonso traced the historical evolution of Catholic Social Teaching from the groundbreaking 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII, which laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought, to the contemporary insights under Pope Leo XIV, who continues to guide the Church in the age of digital transformation.
Fr. Afonso noted that in a world marked by technological upheaval, socio-economic disparities, and shifting cultural norms, the Church’s social doctrine offers moral clarity and ethical direction. He stressed that the Church must engage proactively with the challenges of the digital age whether in the economy, communication, or human dignity by applying its timeless principles to evolving realities.
Adding a broader international perspective, Pedro Vaz Patto, President of Portugal’s National Justice and Peace Commission, offered reflections on how the Church’s teachings can serve as a moral lens for examining current global challenges. His presentation highlighted the universal relevance of Catholic Social Teaching in addressing issues such as poverty, exclusion, migration, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
The conference marked a significant moment of reflection and dialogue in Cabo Verde, encouraging the Catholic Church to take a more active and visible role in public discourse surrounding justice, peace, and human development. Organizers hope the event will inspire further collaboration between Church institutions, civil society, and government in shaping policies and practices that reflect the dignity of every human person and the common good.
As Cabo Verde continues to navigate modern challenges economic inequality, environmental concerns, and rapid digitalization the Church’s voice remains vital in ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of justice or human values.