Vatican diplomat: Our Lady of Guadalupe is greatest symbol of encounter between Europeans, indigenous peoples (Vatican News)

Msgr. Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, the Vatican's permanent observer to the Organization of American States, described Our Lady of Guadalupe as the most significant symbol of the encounter between Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Speaking to the permanent council of the Organization of American States on October 20, Msgr. Cruz Serrano said the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe serves as a source of unity and encounter. He noted that this perspective comes as the Church approaches the 500th anniversary of her apparitions.

The Vatican diplomat stated that while the arrival of Europeans in the Americas led to cultural exchange and mutual enrichment, the process also involved suffering and injustices against indigenous peoples whose dignity and culture were not always respected.