In response to Pope Francis' call, Professor Juan Pablo Faúndez, president of the Academic Council of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders (ALC), is leading an educational initiative in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Together with his wife, Ana Infante, Professor Faúndez is contributing to the establishment of formation schools based on the Social Doctrine of the Church in Iquitos, Pucallpa and San José del Amazonas.
This project, in line with the "ecclesial dream" proposed by Pope Francis in the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Dear Amazonia", has as its main objective to proclaim the kerygma and promote human dignity in communities that are often forgotten.
With a team composed of Peruvian and Chilean academics, Professor Faúndez emphasizes the missionary spirit that drives his presence in the Peruvian Amazon River area. The opening of these schools is supported and certified by Universidad Finis Terrae and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, ALC's collaborating institutions.
"The missionary spirit drives us to travel the Peruvian area of the Amazon River announcing the kerygma and promoting human dignity," emphasizes Professor Faúndez, quoting the words of Pope Francis in "Dear Amazonia." This project goes beyond doctrinal teaching, seeking to establish a deep connection with local communities.
Currently, around 250 people, including children, youth and adults, are actively participating in these initiatives, receiving support both in their local communities and in the Franciscan mission of the Apostolic Vice Rectory of San José del Amazonas. This effort, requested by Bishop José Javier Travieso Martín and coordinated by Luis Ernesto Gutiérrez, Director of the Catholic Leaders Academy in Lima, reflects ALC's commitment to the promotion of fundamental values in the region.
