- 03 October, 2025
Castel Gandolfo, October 3, 2025 – Addressing participants at the International Conference “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” at the Mariapolis Centre, Pope Leo marked the tenth anniversary of the Encyclical Laudato Si’ with a strong call for ecological conversion and unity in caring for creation.
Greeting the organisers, speakers, and participants, the Pope expressed gratitude to the Laudato Si’ Movement for its role in promoting and implementing Pope Francis’ message “from the very beginning.” He noted how the Encyclical has inspired the Catholic Church and people of goodwill worldwide, sparking dialogue, reflection groups, academic initiatives, and environmental projects across continents. Its influence, he said, has reached dioceses, religious institutes, international summits, and even economic and business circles.
Pope Leo emphasised that ten years after its publication, the challenges identified in Laudato Si’ remain as urgent as ever, stressing that they are “first and foremost of a spiritual nature: they call for conversion.” He warned against dismissing climate concerns, citing the Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, which highlighted those who “deride” the signs of climate change or “ridicule those who speak of global warming.”
Calling for a renewed focus on the heart as the centre of freedom and decision-making, the Pope urged believers to embrace true ecological conversion. “We must shift from collecting data to caring; and from environmental discourse to an ecological conversion that transforms both personal and communal lifestyles,” he said, reminding the faithful that “we cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”
Highlighting the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo underscored the inseparable bond between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace. He encouraged participants to strengthen their fourfold relationship with God, with others, with nature, and with themselves.
The Pope also reiterated the need for unified global action. “The most effective solutions will not come from individual efforts alone, but above all from major political decisions on the national and international levels,” he stated, urging citizens and organisations to hold governments accountable through active civic engagement.
Looking ahead to key international forums—including COP 30, the 53rd Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security, and the 2026 Water Conference—Pope Leo expressed hope that global leaders would “listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” He especially called on young people, parents, and those in governance to contribute to cultural, spiritual, and educational solutions for the common good.
Concluding his speech, Pope Leo posed a question of accountability for all humanity: “God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world that he created, for the benefit of all and for future generations, and if we have taken care of our brothers and sisters. What will be our answer?”He closed by thanking participants for their commitment and imparting his blessing.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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