Families and Young People in the Peripheries: A Meeting Promoted by CELAM to Discern with Hope on the Future

Picture: CELAM

The Secretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza, was invited to speak on the theme “A future of inclusion for young pilgrims of hope. How to preach the Gospel with words and actions: solidarity” during the Jubilee and Synodal Meeting for Hopeful Discernment on the Future of Life and the Family.

The challenges faced by families in the peripheries in Latin America and the Caribbean, in dialogue with other regions of the world

The Meeting, held from 17-19 September 2025 at the Pontifical Theological Institute John Paul II in Rome, aimed to bring together representatives of formation centres in the Social Doctrine of the Church from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with guests from various centres across the five continents. Participants were convened by the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Catholic Social Thought (REDLAPSI / CELAM) to listen, discern, and initiate processes of cultural and structural transformation to address the challenges faced by families in the peripheries – especially in Latin America and the Caribbean –in dialogue with other regions of the world. Through this Meeting, the Church sought to renew its commitment to defending life and family, weaving bonds of fraternity and hope for younger generations, “to initiate new processes of justice, drawing on the synodal dynamic now underway in the universal Church”, with a special focus on young people.

In a world and in a time of great difficulty, young people bring the hope that comes from Christ

Speaking of young people and family, De Paula Souza stressed that we live in very difficult times for young people in Latin America, since they are often not allowed to be protagonists and drivers of their own change: “We need to rethink our social model where ‘everyone, everyone, everyone’ (as Pope Francis used to say) is not treated as statistics, but as a protagonist and promoter of change. Social and rights inequality is a deep wound upon us. We need inclusion and solidarity.” The Secretary continued: “Although the shadows of a closed world are real and threaten the lives of young people in Latin America and throughout the world, even more real is the Good News that Jesus Christ gave us through His resurrection,” namely, “that in all the dark or painful situations that we mentioned, there is a way out (ChV, 104)”, and that way is the hope that comes from Christ. Young people “are the agents of pastoral life, today and tomorrow; missionaries of hope to create a world of solidarity, respect, and justice. This is the Gospel translated into action!” All young people must be given the chance to be protagonists, because their enthusiasm and vision of the future can truly help transform reality, within families and in society.

An audience with Pope Leo XIV concluded the event 

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The Meeting was jointly organized by the Pontifical Theological Institute John Paul II (PITJP II), the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAV), the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (PCAL), and the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM).

The Meeting was sponsored by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, together with Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Confederation of Latin American Religious (CLAR).