Indigenous catechists crucial in Amazon River diocese, bishop tells Pope Leo (Vatican News (Portuguese))

Bishop Raimundo Vanthuy Neto told Pope Leo XIV that indigenous catechists play a central role in the evangelization and formation efforts within the Diocese of São Gabriel da Cachoeira. During a meeting on October 3, the bishop described how the diocese relies on these local leaders to strengthen faith and leadership across its remote communities.

The diocese in Brazil covers an area comparable to Italy and consists of 24 different indigenous ethnic groups speaking 18 distinct languages. Because the region is river-based, missionaries and bishops must use boats and canoes to navigate past waterfalls to reach isolated populations. To support local ministry, the diocese conducts extended training sessions that can last up to 15 consecutive days, gathering dozens of indigenous people from various regions.