Catholic Bishop in Cape Verde Calls for Responsible Use of Country’s Limited Water Resources

Bishop Teodoro Mendes Tavares of the Catholic Diocese of Santiago urged Christians in Cape Verde to protect the country's limited water resources during a Mass on September 27. Speaking at Santa Catarina Parish during the profession of religious vows for Sr. Ludmila de Jesus Correia Silver, the bishop described global water scarcity as a serious challenge.

Bishop Tavares stated that water is necessary for life, agriculture, and community development. He noted that rainfall is essential for replenishing aquifers and groundwater, which helps address limited access to drinking water. He called for families, communities, and institutions to manage water responsibly to support irrigation, agriculture, and industry.