# Holy See at OAS: Indigenous Peoples' Dignity

> Holy See urges respect for indigenous peoples' dignity and culture at OAS meeting.
- Title: Holy See at OAS: Indigenous Peoples' Dignity · Vaticannews
- Summary: Holy See urges respect for indigenous peoples' dignity and culture at OAS meeting. Holy See calls for recognizing indigenous peoples' dignity and culture…
- Keywords: holy see, oas, indigenous peoples, our lady of guadalupe, 500th anniversary, monsignor juan antonio cruz serrano, pope leo xiv, encyclical magnifica humanitas, saint peter claver, bartolomé de las casas, francisco de vitoria, religion
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-10/holy-see-at-oas-respect-the-dignity-of-indigenous-peoples.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-21T13:36:19.911+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: holy see, oas, indigenous peoples, our lady of guadalupe, 500th anniversary, monsignor juan antonio cruz serrano, pope leo xiv, encyclical magnifica humanitas, saint peter claver, bartolomé de las casas, francisco de vitoria, religion
## OAS Meeting Focus
Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano spoke at an extraordinary OAS session on October 20, 2026.

> The encounter between Europe and the peoples of the Americas, brought about by the arrival of Europeans in these lands, opened new horizons of knowledge, cultural exchange, and mutual enrichment
## Two Worlds Encounter
The encounter between Europe and indigenous peoples brought knowledge and cultural exchange but also suffering and injustices.

> was accompanied by suffering and injustices inflicted upon indigenous peoples, whose dignity and culture were not always respected
## Building a Different Future
Monsignor Serrano said acknowledging past challenges helps build a different future through dialogue and cultural understanding.

> dialogue and encounter allow us to understand other ways of perceiving the world and to appreciate the unique and original qualities inherent in every culture
## Our Lady of Guadalupe Symbol
The 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe's apparitions symbolizes the meeting of two worlds.

> her image remains a source of unity and encounter
## Transforming Diversity
Monsignor Serrano called for transforming diversity into a resource through listening and dialogue.

> building together, transforming diversity into a resource and making listening and dialogue the common ground upon which justice and fraternity can flourish
## Key takeaway

Holy See calls for recognizing indigenous peoples' dignity and culture during the OAS meeting on the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe's apparitions.