On Sunday, November 10, 2024, during his Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis offered powerful words of gratitude and encouragement for the global Laudato Si’ Action Platform:
“Three years ago, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform was launched. I thank those who work in support of this initiative. In this regard, I hope that the COP29 Climate Change Conference, which will begin tomorrow in Baku, may make an effective contribution for the protection of our common home.”
These words mark a milestone for the Laudato Si’ Action Platform as it celebrates three years of ecological conversion and action worldwide. Days after this recognition, the platform’s third annual celebration was held on Thursday, November 14, bringing together voices from across the globe to reflect on the journey so far and renew commitments to caring for our common home.
Messages of Celebration from the Dicastery
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the sponsor of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, celebrated its progress and its role in advancing the Church’s mission to care for creation. His Eminence Cardinal Elect Baggio reflected on integral ecology stating:
“Only in relationship with creation and with God revealing itself in it it is possible to completely fulfill our humanity according to the Creator’s original plan.”
His Eminence Cardinal Elect Baggio also explains that the current ecological crisis concerns not only Christians, but all human beings.
Annual Achievements and Testimonies
John Mundell, speaking on behalf of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, presented the platform’s annual achievements, highlighting how the initiative has mobilized communities and institutions worldwide.
This was followed by inspiring testimonies from:
- Bishop John Stowe and Joshua Van Cleef from the Diocese of Lexington, U.S., who shared how their diocese has implemented a Laudato Si’ Plan and taken steps toward net zero emissions.
- Mons. Juan Carlos Barreto Barreto from Colombia, reflecting on the intersection of faith and ecological justice at the COP16 Biodiversity Summit.
- Bishop Daisuke Narui from Japan, offering insights into how the Church in Japan is advancing integral ecology.
“When the bishops were no longer writing the letters, the people of God took it upon themselves and called us to pay attention to the Cry of the Earth as well as the Cry of the Poor. ” -Bishop Stowe, Archdiocese of Lexington
“The Catholic Church needs to hurry its pace and stand in defense of the environment. Governments and companies cannot be the only ones who make decisions around biodiversity–in cases only from nefarious economic perspectives. May God continue to illuminate us with His spirit to defend our common home.”-Mons. Juan Carlos Barreto Barreto, Episcopal Conference of Colombia
Looking Ahead
As Pope Francis reminded us in his Angelus, the work of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is an integral part of the Church’s commitment to ecological conversion. This anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past three years, but also a call to deepen our efforts as the climate crisis grows more urgent.
With COP29 underway, the voices of faith-based organizations like ours are more important than ever in advocating for meaningful solutions to protect our common home.
If you missed the webinar, a recording is available here:
Let us continue this journey together, inspired by the words of Pope Francis and the examples of those leading the way.
Stay Involved
- Enroll in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform to learn about suggested actions and build a plan.
- Need to continue their journey? Log into the platform and upload a plan based on suggested actions for themselves and their community.