Summary of "The Pact of the Catacombs (Domitilla)"

Introduction

The Pact of the Catacombs, signed by 40 bishops in 1965 at the Domitilla Catacombs near Rome, represents their commitment to the ideals of Vatican Council II. Key signatories included Archbishop Helder Camara of Recife, Brazil, and Cardinal Roger Etchagaray.

Core Commitments

Lifestyle and Poverty

• Bishops vow to embrace evangelical poverty, living simply like their people, in terms of housing, food, and transport.
• They renounce wealth symbols, including rich vestments and precious metals.

Material Possessions

• They pledge not to own properties or wealth personally, dedicating any necessary possessions to dioceses or social works.

Financial Management

• Financial and material aspects of dioceses will be managed by lay persons, allowing bishops to focus on pastoral and apostolic roles.

Titles and Communication

• Bishops prefer being called "Father" instead of titles like Eminence or Excellency.
• They commit to avoiding privileges or preferences towards the wealthy and powerful.

Evangelization and Social Justice

• They dedicate time and resources to serve workers, the economically weak, and the disadvantaged.
• Efforts will be made to transform welfare works into social works based on charity and justice.

Political and Social Advocacy

• Bishops will advocate for laws and structures promoting justice and equality.
• They aim to collaborate on international levels for economic and cultural structures benefiting the poor.

Pastoral Charity

• The pact includes a commitment to pastoral charity, being open and welcoming to all, regardless of their beliefs.

Conclusion

The Pact of the Catacombs represents a significant commitment by the signatory bishops to a life of simplicity, social justice, and evangelical poverty, in line with the spirit of Vatican Council II.