Soon after his election in September 2025, Pope Leo XIV signaled his commitment to continuing Pope Francis’ legacy by putting Laudato Si’ into practice.
What is Laudato Si’?
Laudato Si’ is an encyclical on ecology and sustainability that focuses on three main areas:
- Education in integral ecology.
- An economy that respects the planet’s resources and promotes their fair distribution.
- Environmental stewardship, including responsible use of electricity and water, care for plants and natural surroundings, and regenerative agriculture.
What is Borgo Laudato Si’?
Borgo Laudato Si’ is a centre in the heart of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Dedicated to integral ecology and a deeper appreciation of creation, it provides education and training in ecology and sustainable agriculture for learners of all ages. It also supports vulnerable groups, including refugees and people with disabilities, in building greater independence.
The gardens, which cover nearly half the area of Vatican City, are being converted to fully organic cultivation. The initiative conserves water, eliminates chemicals, and respects natural cycles as part of the Church’s broader commitment to stewardship.
The initiative is professionally managed through the Order of Malta’s humanitarian work, which applies the principles of integral ecology around the world, including in:
- Lebanon, through the “Harvesting Hope” agricultural programme.
- Kenya, by providing medical and social support in refugee camps.
- Venezuela, by assisting disaster-affected communities.
This year, the programme has expanded to include a sustainability leadership initiative — that is ‘Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal’. This initiative is developed with Villanova University in the United States, the medal honors leaders who respond to both the “cry of the earth” and the “cry of the poor,” reflecting Church’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The award is planned to take place on 13th October 2026 in Rome.
Related link:
Pope Leo XIV, Laudato Si’ and the Care for Creation in Today’s World | EWTN Vatican
