The first panel, “Church and Society: A 500-Year Encounter”, brought together Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio, Archbishop of Bogotá and Primate of Colombia; human rights activist Norma Vera; and academic Joaquín Viloria, who moderated the dialogue. The panel explored the historical influence of the Church in Santa Marta and Colombia—from its role as a promoter of education, defender of human dignity, and mediator in reconciliation processes, to its responsibility in addressing contemporary challenges of inequality, poverty, and violence. The discussion focused on how the interreligious sector can be an active player in peacebuilding, human rights advocacy, and the preservation of collective memory.
Later, the second panel addressed a very timely issue: “Challenges of the Church in the Digital Age: Technology and Artificial Intelligence”. Participants included Father Samuel Velásquez Serrano, an expert in bioethics and the ethics of artificial intelligence; Pablo Vera, rector of the University of Magdalena; and Father Miguel Lopes Neto, director of the Tourism Pastoral of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference and PhD in Digital Communication. The session was moderated by academic and communicator Lida Posada. The panelists agreed that digital evangelization is not simply about having a presence on social media, but about understanding the cultural logic of the digital environment, discerning its ethical risks, and seizing its opportunities for proclaiming the Gospel. They stressed that technology should not be considered an enemy of faith, but rather a tool that, when used responsibly, can enhance the evangelizing mission in today’s world.
The third panel focused on religious tourism as an opportunity for faith, evangelization, and culture. Speakers included Antonio Santos del Valle, president of the Tourism and Society Think Tank; Luis Alejandro Dávila, vice president of Tourism at ProColombia; and Carlos José Jaramillo Ríos, secretary of Development of the Santa Marta Mayor’s Office. The session was moderated by Óscar Rueda García, director of Tourism at CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. This discussion highlighted the potential of religious tourism to position Santa Marta as a destination of spirituality, memory, and cultural identity, while also contributing to the region’s economic and social development. Its value as both a tool of evangelization and a driver of local economies was emphasized, since it integrates communities, parishes, and social actors into an initiative that goes beyond tourism alone to become a force for cohesion and development.
Participants agreed that, within the framework of 500 years of evangelization, the city has the opportunity to consolidate a strategy that combines faith and culture with a sustainable development vision. With its spiritual and heritage wealth, Santa Marta is poised to transcend traditional sun-and-beach tourism, incorporating experiences that integrate its religious history, temples, and living traditions into a differentiated offer with international projection.
The gathering concluded with a call for the Church, the State, communities, and the private sector to work together to showcase to the world the profound richness of Colombia’s first diocese, making it a beacon of faith and comprehensive development. The academic day gave way to a spiritual closing with a solemn Eucharist at the Santa Marta Cathedral Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio—an act that brought together the Samarian community in a sign of unity and gratitude.
The Diocese of Santa Marta expressed its thanks to both in-person and virtual attendees, underscoring that this five-century jubilee is an invitation to continue walking together, convinced that faith continues to illuminate Colombia’s culture, society, and future.