Pope Leo XIV Urges Responsibility and Action During Pastoral Visit to Acerra

Acerra, Italy, May 24, 2026: Pope Leo XIV called on people to “choose life” and take collective responsibility for protecting both human dignity and the environment during his pastoral visit to Acerra, a southern Italian town located in the area known as the “Land of Fires”.

Addressing local residents and civic leaders on Saturday, the Pope said his visit aimed to encourage a sense of dignity and responsibility in a region that has long suffered from environmental pollution and its devastating impact on communities.

Referring to the area’s painful history, Pope Leo noted that decades of pollution had caused immense suffering, including the loss of many lives and the impact on children and innocent victims. While acknowledging the region’s challenges, he stressed that the expression “Land of Fires” should not overshadow the good that continues to exist within the community.

The Pope warned against resignation and indifference, saying that attitudes such as fatalism, constant complaining and shifting blame onto others contribute to the erosion of social conscience and allow wrongdoing to flourish.

He urged citizens and leaders to place the common good above individual or economic interests, appealing for a stronger commitment to justice and care for life. “Let each of us take responsibility, let us choose justice, let us serve life,” he said.

Pope Leo also highlighted the importance of education as a key element in rebuilding society. He stressed that learning and formation should involve people of all ages, from children and young people to adults, workers, leaders and faith communities.

Drawing on themes from Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical Laudato si’, he emphasised that environmental challenges require more than temporary solutions. Instead, he called for a deeper transformation in economic, civic and religious attitudes.

The Pope urged people, institutions and organisations to strengthen partnerships that promote education and social development while resisting criminal influences and harmful practices that damage the environment.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo encouraged communities to embrace a different vision of prosperity rooted in relationships, responsibility and care for the common good, saying that true healing begins with individual commitment and collective action.

Pope Leo XIV Urges Responsibility and Action During Pastoral Visit to Acerra

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