- 21 March, 2026
Vatican, March 21, 2026: Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the 17th International Forum for Information for the Safeguard of Nature, organised by GreenAccord, encouraging participants to collaborate in caring for creation “through sustainable development research projects.”
On the occasion of the 17th International Forum for Information for the Safeguard of Nature, held on March 18 in Treviso, the Pope addressed a message to the Bishop of Treviso, Michele Tomasi.
In the message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope conveyed his greetings and expressed “his deep appreciation to all the participants.”
Centred on the theme, “Building the Future Together: A New Humanity Thirsting for the Future,” the gathering brought together individuals from over 40 countries to the northeastern Italian city to reflect on ecology and humanity’s responsibility towards safeguarding the common home.
In his message, the Holy Father encouraged continued efforts of solidarity and greater awareness in caring for creation “through sustainable development research projects.”
“Ecological responsibility is not fulfilled by technical data alone," recalled the Pope. "Such data are necessary, but not sufficient. What is needed is an education that engages the mind, the heart, and the hands; new habits, communal lifestyles, and virtuous practices.”
He expressed hope that through collective efforts to address current crises, “a respectful and inclusive social environment, ensuring a better future for the new generations," can be cultivated.
Cardinal Parolin: Crossing the threshold to care for Creation
During the meeting in Treviso, Cardinal Beniamino Stella read out a message on behalf of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, marking the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
“If building the future together is truly our shared goal,” Cardinal Parolin writes, “it first requires us to ‘cross a threshold’ and ‘enter a new home’. Without this, care for creation risks swinging between ideology and technocracy, between emotional enthusiasm and cold procedure, between inspiring rhetoric and soulless management.”
He emphasises that the anniversary is not merely for remembrance, but an opportunity to rediscover a logos capable of fostering inclusion and communion. “The Canticle does not simply express a feeling for nature,” he writes. “It offers words that shape a spiritual and intellectual outlook - one that frees the human person from the temptation to dominate and exploit, and instead places us within a lasting vocation to care.”
Referring to calling “brother” and “sister” what we do not own, he notes that it is a profound act of care, recognising reality as relationship and creation as gift.
Among the topics discussed is artificial intelligence, viewed as a test of human maturity. He highlights an “integral intelligence”: “not a correction we scramble to apply afterwards,” he explains, “but a guiding vision that shapes decisions from the outset - design choices, governance models, transparency, traceability, and real accountability for those who control tools and data.”
“Working together,” he says, “is not a form of paternalism by those who have enough: it is a recognition of our interdependence - where no one is saved alone.”
The Canticle reminds that peace with the earth and peace among people are inseparable. “Where creation is wounded, society fractures; where human dignity is trampled, nature becomes something to exploit; where relationships break down, technology becomes a force that divides.”
“If the passing of the Saint of Assisi reminds us that life reaches its fulfilment when it is given,” Cardinal Parolin concludes, “and if the Canticle teaches us to see the world as fraternity rather than possession or prey, then building the future together cannot be reduced to a task or a strategy. It must become a way of living.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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