BOGOTÁ — The Commission has advanced its collaboration with key Church bodies in Latin America following a series of meetings in Bogotá aimed at strengthening safeguarding practices and promoting a Culture of Care across the region.

A delegation from the Commission, led by its Secretary, Mons. Alí Herrera, met on 24 March with senior representatives of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) at its headquarters. The encounter brought together Monsignor Lizardo Estrada Herrera, Secretary General of CELAM, Auxiliary Secretary Father Eric Iván García, and regional experts affiliated with the Commission, Father Agustín Jara Podestá and Susana González Rea.

The meeting opened with an overview of CELAM’s role as a coordinating ecclesial body in Latin America and the Caribbean, followed by a detailed presentation of the Commission’s mandate and activities. Discussions focused on shared efforts to support episcopal conferences and religious organisations in fostering safeguarding standards and embedding a Culture of Care.

Participants exchanged questions and proposals, identifying practical avenues for collaboration. Among the key outcomes was the decision to formalise cooperation through a memorandum of understanding. Susana González Rea was appointed as liaison between the Commission and CELAM, serving as a point of contact for episcopal conferences across the region. Both parties also agreed to participate in regional initiatives such as the Latin American and Caribbean Network for a Culture of Care.

The meeting was described by participants as a positive step in reinforcing a shared commitment to safeguarding and coordinated action throughout the continent.

The following day, 25 March, the Commission delegation met with representatives of the Latin American Confederation of Religious (CLAR), continuing its efforts to deepen engagement with religious communities.

The meeting, held with CLAR’s Adjunct Secretary, Father Israel Arévalo, centred on strengthening institutional collaboration and ensuring that joint efforts become more systematic and mutually enriching. Mons. Alí reviewed the Church’s safeguarding journey and reaffirmed the Commission’s role in supporting religious life, while Father Arévalo outlined ongoing formation initiatives led by CLAR, including seminars and diploma programmes.

Concrete steps were agreed to formalise the partnership, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish long-term cooperation. The Commission also committed to supporting and promoting CLAR’s formation initiatives and to exploring the participation of one of its experts in the upcoming Continental Seminar in Lima, scheduled for 17–19 April.

Father Agustín Jara Podestá was appointed as the Commission’s liaison with CLAR. In this role, he will oversee ongoing coordination, support the implementation of safeguarding guidelines, and contribute to ensuring that the experiences and data of religious communities are reflected in the Commission’s forthcoming Annual Report.

The meetings in Bogotá mark a significant development in the Commission’s engagement with Church structures in Latin America, reinforcing a network of collaboration aimed at prevention, accountability, and the protection of minors across the region.