Vatican engagement with Argentine recycling cooperatives

Overview

Vatican officials and Pope Leo XIV have engaged with Argentine recycling cooperatives to address labor dignity and social contributions. Initially, Sor Alessandra Smerilli, prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, visited the Amanecer de los Cartoneros cooperative in Buenos Aires. Her visit followed an invitation to the Pope and aimed to observe the social and environmental impact of these organizations amidst concerns that new urban hygiene regulations could threaten approximately 6,500 jobs.

Following this, Verónica San Martín, president of the Recicladores Unidos cooperative, addressed Pope Leo XIV during the World of Work Encounter. San Martín testified regarding the discrimination faced by recyclers and the role of cooperatives in supporting marginalized individuals. She emphasized the dignity of their labor, stating, “We recyclers are not trash: we are workers, we have dignity, and with our work we care for our Common Home.”

Entities

Pope Leo XIV · Verónica San Martín · Alessandra Smerilli · Dicastery for Integral Human Development · Catholic University of Argentina

Timeline

1 day ago

[CULTURE] 4 sources
Argentine recycler addresses Pope Leo XIV on workers' dignity
Verónica San Martín, president of an Argentine recycling cooperative, addressed Pope Leo XIV to advocate for the dignity and rights of urban recyclers, emphasizing their role as essential workers.
9 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Vatican official visits recycling cooperative in Buenos Aires
Vatican prefect Sor Alessandra Smerilli visited a Buenos Aires recycling cooperative to observe the social and environmental work of local workers amid concerns over job security in the recycling sector.

Sources

baraderoteinforma.com.ar · elciudadanoweb.com · losprimeros.tv · master.com.ar · nueva-ciudad.com.ar · vidanuevadigital.com