In the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis met with participants from the 6th World Meeting of the Forum of Indigenous Peoples. The theme of the event is Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Leadership: Community-based solutions to enhance resilience and biodiversity.
The group of 40 indigenous delegates spoke of the importance of caring for the environment and its natural resources—something the Pope praised.
Pope Francis also called on governments to recognize the Indigenous Peoples worldwide and to respect their cultures as they offer a different insight into the situation of the world.
POPE FRANCIS
Aboriginal cultures are not to be converted to a modern culture; they are to be respected. Two things: we should follow their path of development. Secondly, we should listen to the wise messages they give us because it is not an encyclopedic wisdom. It is the wisdom of seeing, listening and touching everyday life.
The Forum was founded in 2011 as a means of consultation and dialogue for groups of Indigenous People to share their concerns and petitions.
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