Ladaria: In the immense Amazon territories where there are few priests there is the need to develop other forms of ministeriality, according to the necessities of the time. This is just good sense. One must encourage the growth of something which is already present in the Church, which already exists in these territories, but which must be better developed for the pastoral good of all the community.
Q. Are you thinking of some ministry in particular?
A. Yes, for example the ministry of catechesis which has been explicitly cited. Also the Ministry of the electorate, of lay ministries. The Synod does not make decisions but there are questions which can be considered and which the Holy Father can evidently consider.
Q. A theme of discussion in the minor circles was that of the inculturation of theology and liturgy. Do you think it is possible to accomplish that in Amazonia?
A. I have never been in Amazonia and therefore I do not know that concrete reality. Inculturation is a desire which is not only a problem specific to this region.
In substance, it is a desire that the message of the Church, which is always and everywhere the same, is expressed in a mode adapted to the culture of the people.
How to accomplish this inculturation in Amazonia is beyond the competence of those who are not in Amazonia.
We can lay out the general principles: there must of course be an inculturation which keeps present the content and the tradition of the faith, and this is clear.
Q. A proposal of many Synod Fathers is that of improving seminary teaching so that the missionary desire can flourish more abundantly. Is this doable?
A. It is always possible. Thinking that priests should have a missionary spirit seems to me a fundamental principle. This is clear.
There is something lacking in the Church when it is not missionary. And therefore something is lacking in the priesthood when this missionary spirit is lacking.
Q. The Synod has also emphasised the exploitation of Amazonian resources and the aggression undergone by a land devastated by avarice and cupidity. In what way can the church better aid indigenous peoples in the defence of their own environment?
A. Certainly through a collective action of all the Church, with appropriate declarations by local episcopates. But also with ethical investment, not directed towards companies that exploit these regions.
Q. There has also been talk of the creation of an international organisation for the defence of local populations...
A. Yes. But these are concrete decisions that the Synod cannot take.
