Andina

Peru: Indigenous peoples thank Pope Francis for listening to them

ANDINA/Juan Carlos Guzmán

15:46 | Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios region), Jan. 19.

Indigenous peoples on Friday thanked Pope Francis for having visited Puerto Maldonado to listen to their issues and called on every Amazonian community to protect their land in order to live in harmony.

"Thanks, Pope Francis, for listening to us," the indigenous people's representative stressed when addressing the Supreme Pontiff at Madre de Dios Coliseum.

Likewise, the leader expressed concern over the indigenous peoples' future in case they do not receive support.

"We, the indigenous peoples of the Amazonia, want to tell mankind that we are also concerned because the earth is degrading, animals are becoming extinct, trees are disappearing, fish are dying and fresh water is running dry due to climate change […]," he said.

"The sky cries because we are destroying our planet, and if we don't have food, we will starve," he added.

Lastly, he asked the Holy Father to bring the message and example of God. 

(END) TMC/MAO/JAA/MVB

Published: 1/19/2018