The Church in Bolivia

Bishop Roberto Flock of the Diocese of San Ignacio de Velasco called for a recovery of Christian faith and meaning during the commemorations of All Saints and All Souls. In a message released October 30, Flock noted that the commercialization and secularization of these dates have obscured their theological and spiritual significance.

Flock explained that the term Halloween originates from the expression All Hallows’ Eve, meaning the Eve of All Saints. He stated that while he does not oppose secular cultural expressions, the intersection of these celebrations with harvest festivals and market pressures has caused a loss of the Christian background.

The bishop emphasized that believers should focus on the Communion of Saints. He noted the importance of distinguishing festive activities from the evils and abuses against children condemned by the Gospel.

The Diocese of Tarija won the 2026 Clericus Cup football tournament in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The priests from Tarija secured the title after defeating the Diocesan Clergy of Santa Cruz in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw during regulation time. This victory marks a second consecutive championship for the Diocese of Tarija.

During the match at the Novillos sports complex, Father Mariano scored the opening goal for Tarija in the first half. Father Ezequiel scored for the Santa Cruz team in the second half to equalize the score.

The penalty shootout was decided by the goalkeepers, Father Marcelo for Tarija and Father Javier for Santa Cruz, who made several initial saves. After successful strikes from Father Mariano and Father Eulogio Puma, Father Ademar Gudiño scored the final penalty to win the match for Tarija.

The Bolivian Episcopal Conference has made the Vatican document "Venite ad me. Consideraciones sobre la transmisión de la fe en el cambio de época" available for purchase through its bookstore. The text was presented by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on October 22.

Approved by Pope Leo XIV on August 21, 2026, and signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández and Monsignor Armando Matteo, the document addresses the interruption of faith transmission within families. It states that faith no longer occurs automatically across generations. The Vatican suggests that pastoral work must move beyond a focus on children and adolescents to prioritize the evangelization of adults.

The document calls for a renewed evangelization centered on the kerygma, or the initial announcement of the Gospel. It emphasizes that faith should not be taught primarily as a collection of doctrinal contents, but through the core message of Jesus Christ's love and presence.

Bishop Juan Carlos Huaygua Oropeza administered the sacrament of Confirmation to dozens of young people in the Diocese of Coroico on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The main celebration took place at the San Pedro y San Pablo Cathedral in Coroico. During the liturgy, the bishop used the imposition of hands and anointing to confirm the candidates, who were accompanied by their families and sponsors. In his homily, Bishop Huaygua told the recipients that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are intended for service to others through good works.

Following the cathedral service, the bishop traveled to the Divino Amor Parish in Caranavi to continue the pastoral schedule.

The Archdiocese of La Paz began its synodal assemblies on Monday, October 26, at the San Jerónimo Seminary. The meetings, which run through Thursday, October 29, involve 180 participants including priests, religious, and laity. These assemblies aim to determine the direction of pastoral renewal within the archdiocese.

During the inaugural session, participants focused on personal conversion as the foundation for community and structural renewal. Father Ivan Bravo, rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz, noted that the assembly discussed conversion as a gradual process of faith rather than a single event. The discussions emphasized the importance of Christian initiation and solid formation in the life of the believer.

Bishop Luis Durán, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of La Paz, presided over a Sunday Mass broadcast nationally on Bolivia TV. During the liturgy, Durán addressed the faithful regarding the importance of prayer and charity.

In his homily, Durán offered specific prayers for vulnerable groups, including hospital patients, people in prison, and those unable to leave their homes. He asked for strength and patience for those facing illness or confinement.

As the month of October concludes, Durán noted the connection to missionary work and the devotions to the Virgin of the Rosary and Fatima. He stated that all baptized people are called to be missionaries who bring hope during times of social conflict.