The Archbishop of Panama, Monsignor José Domingo Ulloa, highlighted that corruption robs the poor of their bread and children of their future. During the homily of the 54th Eucharistic Meeting, Ulloa described childhood as the 'wounds of the Risen One,' which are more visible than ever in the national reality. The prelate referred to recent studies by the World Bank, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Social Development (Mides), which indicate that 482,033 boys and girls live in poverty in Panama. This means that one in three minors faces deprivations, and one in six lives in extreme poverty. 'They are not cold statistics; they are lives that cry out for justice and call on us not to be indifferent,' emphasized Monsignor Ulloa. Monsignor warned that allowing early childhood to be marked by poverty is perpetuating inequality: 'We cannot accept that geography or origin determine the destiny of a life.' He stressed that Panama cannot call itself developed while its children suffer from hunger, preventable diseases, or neglect. He stated that 'a country that does not care for its children is silently renouncing its own tomorrow.' In his message, the archbishop made a direct appeal to the authorities of the three branches of state, the private sector, civil society, universities, local governments, faith communities, and unions: 'No one can be left on the sidelines.' His message concluded with a call to transform Easter into concrete action: to sow peace where there is resentment, hope where there is fatigue, and justice where childhood cries out for a dignified future. Additionally, during this 54th Eucharistic Meeting, the 100th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Panama was also commemorated. As part of this celebration, the ceremony for the sending of the Archdiocesan Mission missionaries was held, an initiative that seeks to reinforce the Church's commitment to communities.
