Bishop Schlert's Statement on the Papal Document on the Amazon Synod

Copies of Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, "Querida Amazonia" (Beloved Amazonia), are pictured at a news conference for the release of the exhortation at the Vatican Feb. 12, 2020. The document contains the pope's conclusions from the 2019 Synod of Bishops for the Amazon. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

“The Holy Father reminds us of our shared responsibility to be good stewards of the earth which God created for us to properly use and protect.

In his decision to maintain the discipline of celibacy, even in remote parts of the world like the Amazon, the Holy Father emphasizes the need to foster native vocations to the Priesthood, greater missionary activity, and persistent prayers for vocations to the Priesthood.”