English 
The International Day of Indigenous Peoples, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 to recognise and value the cultures, rights and spiritual experiences of indigenous peoples, is celebrated worldwide on 9 August. There are more than 476 million indigenous people in more than 90 countries, custodians of ancient traditions, minority languages and a worldview deeply rooted in care for the earth and a harmonious relationship with creation.
Once again this year, the international community is preparing to commemorate this day through cultural meetings, conferences, testimonies and awareness-raising initiatives promoted by organisations such as UNESCO, which each year renews its call for respect for human rights, the protection of ancestral territories and the defence of indigenous languages, many of which are at risk of extinction.
We also join spiritually to this anniversary, in an attitude of listening, prayer and solidarity, recalling the prophetic words of Pope Francis, who has repeatedly denounced the injustices suffered by indigenous communities. The journey towards a synodal Church invites us to recognise the beauty and wisdom present in every culture, as an expression of the action of the Spirit. In communion with local communities and particular Churches, we wish to renew our commitment to social justice, respect for diversity and care for the common home.
