Laudato si’ Week: Global events to highlight concept of integral ecology

By Vatican News staff reporter

Hundreds of thousands of Catholics will unite from May 22-29 to celebrate the progress made in bringing the Pope’s encyclical Laudato si’ to life and intensify their efforts through the Laudato si’ Action Platform, promoted by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

The weeklong event marking the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on creation care, will feature a series of global celebrations and dynamic conversations, including one focused on raising Indigenous voices that will feature Sr. Alessandra Smerilli FMA, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

It will also feature the first-ever public sneak peek of The Invitation, a new film featuring Pope Francis, which brings Pope Francis’s vision of integral ecology to life. 

Global and local events

Each day of  Laudato si Week will feature global, regional, and local events tied to one of the seven Laudato si’ goals and the seven sectors of the Laudato si’ Action Platform, all of which underpin the concept of integral ecology.

Crucial topics to be explored during Laudato si’ Week include, how Catholics can combat biodiversity collapse; the role of fossil fuels in conflicts and the climate crisis; and how we all can embrace the poor in our daily lives.

There will also be global events taking place in Uganda, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Speaking about upcoming week Tomás Insua, Executive Director of Laudato Si’ Movement, said, “Laudato Si’ Week has blossomed into a global celebration that leaves the faithful feeling inspired to do even more for our common home.

He added that “amidst chaos and destruction globally, everyday Catholics take urgent action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis. Laudato Si’ Week will serve as a fountain of inspiration and lessons learned for all people interested in saving God’s creation.”

The Dicastery is hoping that everyone will feel called to participate in Laudato si’ Week and undertake in a synodal spirit the seven-year "journey" proposed by the Laudato si’ Action Platform.