Pope Francis’ legacy regarding the Amazon has left a profound mark on the Church and the world: a holistic perspective that unites care for creation with the dignity of peoples, especially those who have historically been forgotten. His impetus, evident in moments such as the Synod on the Amazon, opened pathways to listen, learn, and walk alongside Amazonian communities, recognizing their wisdom and their essential role in protecting our common home.
Today, under the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, that same pastoral spirit is not fading, but rather finding new ways to express itself. Although every pastor has his own style, a continuity is perceived that is not mere repetition, but rather a creative fidelity to the Gospel: the care of life, cultures, and the earth remains a priority that calls the entire Church to action.
A beautiful complementarity is woven between these two pontificates. Where Francis vigorously sowed ecological and social awareness, Leo XIV seems called to consolidate, accompany, and deepen these processes, strengthening the hope of those who inhabit the Amazon. It is not merely a matter of projects, but of a shared pastoral sensibility that recognizes in every people, every river, and every culture a reflection of God’s love.
On the first anniversary of Pope Francis’s election, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for his life, his dedication, and his witness, which continue to illuminate the Church’s path. With grateful hearts, we also accompany Pope Leo XIV in prayer, that the Lord may strengthen him in his mission to carry on this legacy and open new horizons of hope, especially for the Amazon and its peoples.
And we strongly recall that we are all the Church: every baptized person is called to take on this commitment, to carry on the legacy received, and to accompany the new shepherds with faith and hope. True pastoral, educational, and communal accompaniment is built from each of our missions, in daily life, through concrete gestures of service, listening, and dedication.
Thus, the mission continues: the visible face of the pastor changes, but the commitment to creation and to the most vulnerable remains alive. In this continuity, the Church finds reasons to continue “sailing together,” trusting that the Spirit continues to guide every step toward a vibrant, dignified, and hopeful Amazon.