Pope Francis Highlights the Right of Indigenous Peoples to Preserve Their Cultural Identity

Pope Francis has sent a message to participants of a United Nations meeting on Indigenous Peoples, underscoring their right to safeguard their cultural identity and the natural resources that are integral to their way of life.

“Land, water, and food are not just commodities, but the very essence of life and the bond between indigenous peoples and nature,” Pope Francis stated on Monday in a message for the 7th Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, organized by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The forum, held in Rome on February 10-11, is focused on the theme: “Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination: a pathway for food security and sovereignty.”

In his message, Pope Francis affirmed that indigenous peoples have an inherent right to preserve their identity, but he pointed out that this right is increasingly jeopardized by the large-scale land grabs carried out by multinational corporations and governments. These seizures not only harm indigenous communities but also threaten their ability to live with dignity, he lamented.

“The defense of the right to protect one’s culture and identity requires recognizing the value of their contributions to society, as well as ensuring the protection of their existence and the natural resources essential for their livelihood,” the Pope emphasized.

He further stressed that defending the rights of indigenous peoples is not only a matter of justice but also crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for all of humanity.

“Motivated by our shared sense of belonging to the human family,” he said, “we can help ensure that future generations inherit a world in harmony with the beauty and goodness that guided God’s creation.”

Pope Francis also praised the heritage of indigenous peoples, highlighting how their ancient traditions offer a “horizon of hope” in a time marked by profound challenges and tensions.

In conclusion, Pope Francis prayed that efforts to protect the rights and traditions of indigenous peoples would be successful. “I pray to Almighty God that these efforts,” he said, “may inspire national leaders to take the necessary actions to ensure that the human family moves forward together in pursuit of the common good, leaving no one behind or forgotten.”