BRASÍLIA — In a landmark first for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, it participated in the fourth meeting of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for a Culture of Care, joining more than 100 safeguarding representatives from 17 countries in Brasília from 31 August to 3 September to strengthen regional cooperation on prevention, formation and safeguarding practice. 

Strengthening safeguarding cooperation across Latin America and the Caribbean

The network, established by the Latin American Episcopal Council, or CELAM, in 2023, brings together representatives from episcopal conferences, religious conferences and other organisations working to develop a stronger culture of prevention and care across Latin America and the Caribbean. This year’s meeting was held under the theme, “The Culture of Care from Latin America and the Caribbean: A View from Magnifica Humanitas.” 
 
Commission Regional Experts Susana Gonzáles and Fr. Agustin Jara Podestà took part in the meeting within the framework of its 2026 memorandum of understanding with CELAM. Their participation provided an opportunity to deepen relationships with safeguarding representatives across the region and to strengthen the integration of the Regional Experts within existing continental structures. Commission Secretary Mons. Alì Herrera welcomed the presence of the Commission at the conference.  

“This is historic moment. Thanks to the MOU signed with CELAM the Commission is committed to a more structured and operational collaboration across the region in terms of safeguarding.” – Mons. Alì Herrera  

A regional network for a culture of care

A total of 102 participants attended, including laypeople, religious and 12 bishops. Delegates represented Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela. The meeting was jointly supported by CELAM’s Network for a Culture of Care, Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean, the Latin American Confederation of Religious, the Brazilian bishops’ conference and the Conference of Religious of Brazil, with financial support from Porticus. 

Formation sessions addressed the culture of care in relation to Magnifica Humanitas, abuse in digital environments and forms of non-sexual abuse. The gathering also provided space for national delegations to share developments, challenges and practical resources, while identifying opportunities for mutual support. 

Safeguarding priorities for 2026-2027

Participants agreed on several priorities for 2026-2027. These include promoting the regional “El Cuidado Nos Une” awareness campaign, developing a shared repository of safeguarding materials produced across the continent and preparing accessible guidance to support the creation and updating of protocols, prevention commissions, listening centres and reporting channels. Such materials would serve as a common foundation while remaining subject to adaptation and validation within local contexts. 

Strengthening the Commission’s engagement in the region

Gonzáles and Fr. Agustin also presented the Commission’s mandate, structure and principal areas of work. Participants raised questions concerning the forthcoming safeguarding guidelines, the present and future management of the Memorare Initiative and the methodology of the Annual Report. Discussions also addressed ad limina visits and the importance of responding to Commission questionnaires so that safeguarding realities across individual local Churches can be accurately reflected. 

Beyond the formal programme, the meeting created opportunities for direct discussions with bishops, delegates from episcopal and religious conferences and other partners. Discussions with the Honduran delegation also addressed a pilot project on digital protection and pastoral care. 

The Commission’s participation was received as part of a broader effort to build sustained cooperation with the regional network. The gathering highlighted opportunities to further develop practical collaboration between the Commission, CELAM and safeguarding structures across Latin America and the Caribbean.