Pope Francis sent a message of encouragement to the 150 participants of the National Meeting of the VI Brazilian Social Week, which was held in Brasilia from March 20-22, 2024.
Among the participants was a delegation from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and representatives of 27 social ministries, including the Popular Movements and the Pan Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM).
The Brazilian Social Weeks (SSB) are events organized by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) to discuss social, political, economic, and cultural issues in the light of the Church's social doctrine. These events bring together religious leaders, academics, activists, and members of civil society to discuss relevant issues and propose ways to transform society. The Brazilian Social Weeks have been important spaces for dialogue and reflection on issues such as inequality, poverty, human rights, and public policies, contributing to the construction of a more just and fraternal society.
In his message, the Pope expressed his closeness and prayers for the meeting, highlighting the significance of the Brazilian Social Week as a path towards an "outgoing Church" and explained that "since its first edition in 1991, the Social Week has committed to breaking down the walls of rejection and indifference, accompanying the poorest and those most deprived of their basic rights in their struggle for land, housing, and work".
The Holy Father also highlighted the importance of the Brazilian Social Week in the promotion of a new, more solidarity-based economy, and in the revitalization of democratic values that help build a society where there is true popular participation in the nation’s decision-making processes. He thanked them for their commitment and for promoting, together with the youth of Brazil, the "Economy of Francesco".
The theme chosen for this edition of the event was "Land, Roof and Work", which refers to the appeal that the Pope made to the participants of the World Meeting of Popular Movements in 2014. The Pope expressed his hope that the "Mutirão por la Vida", linked to the VI Brazilian Social Week, will bear abundant fruits in favor of a more just society, in line with the principles of fraternity and social friendship highlighted in this year's Fraternity Campaign.
Finally, Pope Francis called on people to recognize the face of Jesus in those who live in poverty due to social injustice, asked for the intercession of Our Lady of Aparecida, Queen and Patroness of Brazil, and concluded his message by asking people to pray for him.
For more information about the Brazilian Social Weeks, click HERE
