Pope Leo XIV meets energy leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean

Vatican City, January 25, 2026: Continuing a tradition begun by his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV met with a select group of business leaders from the energy and critical minerals sectors operating in Latin America and the Caribbean on the morning of 24 January at the Vatican.

The meeting followed the Pope’s first Urbi et Orbi blessing, in which he called on the global community to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, and to work together for peace. In that spirit, the gathering formed part of a synodal process focused on reconciling economic development with care for the common home and the promotion of decent work.

This encounter marked the seventh in a series organised under the Building Bridges Initiative, launched in 2022 and coordinated by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (PCAL). The initiative was developed in collaboration with then-Cardinal Robert Prevost, President of the PCAL, at the request of Pope Francis.

The Building Bridges Initiative seeks to foster inclusion through engagement with universities, reconciliation through dialogue with labour unions, business associations and organised communities, and fraternity through collaboration with regional episcopal and ecclesial conferences.

Central to the process is attentive listening to territorial needs and aspirations, particularly concerning environmental protection and dignified employment. The initiative also promotes shared social discernment among diverse regional actors, guided by the Church’s social magisterium and oriented towards a just transition.

Six synodal encounters preceded the January meeting, bringing together bishops, academics, students, labour leaders and business representatives across the Americas between 2022 and 2025. These gatherings took place in venues including CELAM, the Vatican, PUC Rio de Janeiro and the headquarters of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and included Pope Francis and, later, Pope Leo XIV through a video message.

Building on these encounters, Church leaders proposed a dialogue between three key sectors in Latin America and the Caribbean and the Holy Father. The discussions drew on two recent statements presented to the Holy See Press Office: Life hangs by a thread (CELAM, December 2024) and A call for climate justice and the Common Home (CELAM, SECAM and FABC, July 2025).

PCAL convened the seventh meeting to promote dialogue for peace amid tensions arising from economic development dependent on critical minerals and growing demands for socio-climatic justice as a condition for abundant life for all.

During the encounter, invited business leaders shared their perspectives on the risks and opportunities facing the sector in the region and reflected together on future priorities and hopes.

Originally scheduled for January 2025 with Pope Francis, the meeting was postponed due to his health at the request of Cardinal Prevost. Ahead of the private audience with Pope Leo XIV, participants gathered for a breakfast coordinated by PCAL.

Pope Leo XIV meets energy leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean

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