Pope Leo continues to emphasise the teachings and exhortations on the care of creation of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
On October 1st, during the inaugural session of the Raising Hope for Climate Justice Conference in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV delivered a profound address celebrating the 10th anniversary of the encyclical "Laudato Si'" by Pope Francis. He appealed for a renewed commitment to ecological conversion, underscoring the urgency of addressing the intertwined crises of climate change and social inequality.
Return to the heart: Pope Leo emphasised the need for people to "return to the heart," urging participants to cultivate authentic decisions that prioritise compassion and environmental stewardship.
Accountability to God: The Pope posed a poignant question: "What will our answer be?" in response to God's inquiry about how we have cared for the world and for each other.
The Urgency of Action: The Pope highlighted the tangible consequences of neglecting the earth. He warned against indifference and resignation, calling on the global community to actively engage in the fight against climate change.
Unity in Action: He reaffirmed that all humans, as part of one family, must care for our shared planet, advocating for collective efforts to address environmental and humanitarian issues. His call for integration of social, environmental, and spiritual initiatives was clear.
Youth and Leadership: The Pope encouraged young people, community leaders, and institutions to lead efforts towards cultural and educational change, emphasising the need for transformative action in the face of climate crisis.
Global Collaboration: He urged attendees to hold governments accountable and support the development of regulations that protect the environment. Citizens must exercise active participation in political processes to ensure a sustainable future.
Pope Leo XIV's address resonated with hope and a call to action, framing the ecological crisis as not just an environmental issue but a moral imperative for believers and non-believers alike.