Pope: Church must help broken families heal from drug abuse

By Devin Watkins Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with participants in a meeting promoted by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, which focused on the topic “Addiction in Latin America.” In his address, the Pope greeted the many people from faith-based centers who work for the accompaniment, prevention, recovery, and integration of young people affected by drugs. Reflecting on the impact of substance abuse, he noted that “suffering and hope know no borders,” as attendees hailed from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Pope Leo then pointed to four “bridges” that converged at the meeting, representing four paths of cooperation. First, he said, the Church works closely with international organizations in order to combat the abuse of drugs. He noted the Commission's collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops’ Council (CELAM), saying they help train people for faith-based community organizations.