Cardinal Peter Turkson (photo, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk)
Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has announced the creation of a Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a key Vatican initiative to empower the universal Church to achieve total sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology. As humanity confronts an ecological crisis, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform offers a new way forward, uniting Catholics and all people of goodwill on the journey to a more just and sustainable future.
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform builds on the foundation established by partner organizations. In creating a shared space for action, it offers new momentum to urgently and ambitiously address the ecological crisis.
Today’s announcement coincides with the close of Laudato Si’ Week and the Laudato Si’ Special Anniversary Year.
Fr. Joshtrom Kureethadam, Coordinator of the Dicastery’s Ecology Sector, accompanied Cardinal Turkson at the official announcement event.
Fr. Kureethadam said “The Laudato Si’ Action Platform translates into concrete action Pope Francis’ dream to create a mass movement of people from below for the care of our common home. It represents an effort to learn from and encourage communities that have been leading Laudato Si’ efforts around the world. There are truly inspirational examples of leadership from all seven sectors that are served by this program. Our hope is that the platform will provide a common space for all to unite and grow together.”
Fr. Kureethadam continued, “The network of partners that is co-leading this work with the Dicastery is truly exceptional. The strength of the program that we have developed so far is due in large part to their generous leadership and wisdom. Truly, we look to these local leaders for the insights and expertise that are key to serving the universal Church.”
Fr. Kureethadam concluded, “The Laudato Si’ Action Platform offers a way forward as we conclude Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ Special Anniversary Year and move into the next steps of our journey. We invite all to join us as we build a better future together. Walking together! This is the Synodal Church community that Pope Francis invites us to create as we care for our common home and one another.”