Panama – At the end of the 225th Ordinary Assembly, held from June 29 to July 3, the Bishops of Panama issued a statement entitled “A word of faith and hope for our people – “Hope does not disappoint” .”
In their statement, the Panamanian Bishops reinterpret the country’s current social, political, and institutional crisis in the light of the Gospel and launch an “urgent national appeal for reconciliation,” calling for reconciliation and dialogue.
The Bishops’ Conference reflects on what it describes as a “decisive” moment in Panama’s history, marked by growing polarization and the weakening of dialogue, as well as increasing distrust in institutions, economic hardship, unemployment and uncertainty, burdens that weigh especially heavily on families and young people.
These domestic challenges are compounded by tensions surrounding the Panama Canal, which is facing the combined effects of drought linked to climate change and growing geopolitical pressure over the management of its infrastructure.
In this context, after days of prayer, listening to the Word, dialogue and discernment, the Bishops recall Pope Leo XIV’s invitation to “listen, discern, and interpret the signs of the times” and urge everyone to rediscover the country as “one national family.” The goal is to rebuild trust, overcome the logic of confrontation, and place the common good above particular interests and partisan calculations.
The statement emphasizes that respect for human dignity must remain the foundation of national life: “No political, economic, or particular interest can be placed above it,” the Bishops affirm. They therefore call for strengthening the rule of law, the independence of state institutions and the credibility of public authorities, all of which they describe as essential conditions for building a reconciled, just and peaceful society in a country where protests and indefinite strikes in recent years have denounced corruption, violence and social inequality.
Particular attention is devoted to the prison system. According to the Bishops, people deprived of their liberty often live in conditions of overcrowding, violence and despair that leave little room for hope. While recognizing society’s legitimate right to security, the Church reiterates that no crime or circumstance can erase the dignity of detainees and calls for prison policies that, without abandoning justice, promote integral rehabilitation, social reintegration and respect for fundamental human rights.
Another section of the text addresses the issue of water, which has become increasingly central both to daily life and to the country’s national strategy. “We express our deep concern,” the Bishops write, “because an increasing number of sectors of the population suffer from insufficient and unreliable access to safe drinking water.”
Water is defined as “a gift from God, a fundamental human right, and a common good that must be protected and guaranteed for all.” Quoting Laudato si’, No. 30, the Bishops recall that access to safe drinking water is “a basic, fundamental and universal human right.”
In the background lies the drought associated with the El Niño phenomenon, which has already reduced traffic through the Panama Canal and reignited debate over the construction of new reservoirs and the social and environmental impact of water infrastructure projects.
For this reason, during the Assembly the Bishops received, “in an atmosphere of respect, listening and dialogue,” representatives of the Panama Canal Authority together with members of the communities of Río Indio, Donoso and other areas affected by the strategic water project for the Canal, where tensions and public protests have taken place. The Bishops’ Conference expressed gratitude to both sides for their willingness to present their respective concerns and reaffirmed that only “sincere and respectful” dialogue can lead to lasting solutions capable of harmonizing the national interest with the rights of local communities, their participation in decision-making processes, and responsible care for creation.
The text also expresses the Bishops’ closeness to the Venezuelan people, affected by a devastating earthquake, and to Panamanian families affected by the recent fires in the capital. As a concrete expression of this solidarity, the Bishops announced a nationwide collection to be taken up during all Sunday Eucharistic celebrations on July 5, with the proceeds destined to support the people of Venezuela.
Entrusting the fruits of the Assembly to the maternal intercession of St. Mary the Antiqua, Patroness of the country, the Bishops renew their commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, defending the dignity of every person, accompanying families, promoting reconciliation, and working tirelessly for justice, peace and the common good. In harmony with Pope Leo XIV, they invite every citizen to “look carefully at how they build” and to ask themselves what kind of Panama they wish to leave to future generations, recalling the Gospel Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” .
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.