CELAM

The Council of Episcopal Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean (Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano y del Caribe), commonly known as CELAM, is an ecclesial organization that brings together the bishops of the Catholic Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1955 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the First Latin American Episcopal Conference, CELAM serves as a forum for collaboration, dialogue, and pastoral coordination among its member churches. Its primary mission is to promote the unity of the Church in the region, foster evangelization, and address social, cultural, and theological challenges facing Latin American and Caribbean societies.

CELAM operates under the guidance of the Pope and the Congregation for Bishops, with its headquarters located in Bogotá, Colombia. The organization convenes periodic regional conferences, the most notable being the Continental Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean, which have historically played a significant role in shaping the Church’s pastoral priorities. These conferences have addressed issues such as liberation theology, social justice, and the role of the Church in political and economic development.

Over the decades, CELAM has been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting human rights, combating poverty, and supporting marginalized communities. It has also played a key role in organizing major ecclesial events, including the World Youth Day celebrations held in various Latin American cities. The organization collaborates with other Catholic institutions, interfaith groups, and civil society organizations to advance its pastoral goals.

CELAM’s work is guided by the principles of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), emphasizing dialogue, inculturation, and the active participation of the laity in the life of the Church. Its influence extends beyond the Catholic community, engaging with broader societal discussions on faith, ethics, and social transformation in the region.