The International Academy of Catholic Leaders has taken a relevant and symbolic step by inaugurating its first binational school of Catholic leadership on the border between the United States and Mexico, uniting Tamaulipas and Texas in the emblematic space facing the Rio Grande. In a political context marked by growing polarization, both in the United States, where a presidential contest is taking place between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and in Mexico, after the recent inauguration of its first female president, this initiative seeks to promote a “culture of encounter” to face the current challenges of coexistence and collaboration between nations and cultures.
The opening event, held last Saturday, was attended by church leaders from both sides of the border, including Cardinal Diego Padrón, former president of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela. According to José Antonio Rosas, director general of the Academy, “From this symbolic place facing the Rio Grande, we began our first binational school of leaders between the United States and Mexico. This border is a testimony to the richness of the cultural and spiritual fusion between our peoples. With the presence of Cardinal Padrón and the bishops, we sowed the seed of a generation that will bear witness to a culture of encounter.”
This event is much more than a meeting of faith: it is a concrete response to the need for cross-border collaboration on issues that affect millions of people, especially at a time of migration challenges and sociopolitical tensions. By holding it on such a significant border, the Academy reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and the construction of bridges of understanding.
For his part, Father Eduardo González Oropeza, director of the school, shared his hope for the impact of the new program, highlighting that “Our border between Tamaulipas and Texas symbolizes the mestizaje and the cultural and religious diversity. Through this school, we seek to form leaders with a deep-rooted spirituality and a clear vision of the social responsibility that implies being disciples of Christ in a context of challenges, but also of unity and hope.”
The program is structured in six sessions, of which two will be in person, with the purpose of strengthening dialogue and collaboration between the border dioceses. The other four sessions will be developed virtually, allowing the participation of leaders from other regions of the continent. This combination of formats is key to expanding the reach and ensuring the continuity of the project.
The International Academy of Catholic Leaders, with a presence in South America, North America and Europe, thus continues its mission of forming leaders inspired by the Social Doctrine of the Church, projecting a future expansion towards Africa. In a world marked by divisions, the creation of this binational school represents a call for unity and mutual respect within the framework of the Catholic faith and social commitment.
