Earlier this month, Chief Dadá Borarí travelled to Castel Gandolfo, Italy, to participate in Pope Leo XIV’s Raising Hope Conference — a gathering focused on ecological justice, human dignity, and spiritual solidarity.

Chief Dadá, known globally for his leadership in the Amazon and as a key voice in the film The Letter, shared a powerful message rooted in Indigenous cosmology and resistance. As a symbolic act, he brought with him a small sample of water — representing the tears of the Earth, and what Pope Francis has called “the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor.”

At a key moment during the event, Dadá was the only participant who remained seated as the Pope entered the conference. This was not an act of disrespect — but one of deep principle. For Dadá, all beings are equal. His quiet gesture was a reminder that life, in all its forms, is sacred, and that true justice means honouring the Earth, the animals, and the people who defend them.

His presence at the conference was not only symbolic, but timely — reinforcing the role of Indigenous guardians in the global movement for ecological balance and justice.

As always, he brought more than words. He brought truth, courage, and the perspective of those who live in direct relationship with the forest — and defend it every day.