“Follow Words with Deeds,” Pope Leo XIV Says on the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

In a heartfelt message marking the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo XIV called on the global Church and all people of goodwill to become “seeds of peace and hope” in response to the ecological and human crises facing the planet.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Seeds of Peace and Hope,” the Pope drew inspiration from Pope Francis, who instituted this annual day of prayer a decade ago to coincide with the publication of the landmark encyclical Ladato Si'. Pope Leo emphasized that care for creation is not optional but is an essential dimension of Christian faith and moral responsibility.

“Now is the time to follow words with deeds,” the Holy Father urged, stressing that environmental justice is both a social and spiritual imperative.

In his message, the Pope used the biblical image of the seed small, hidden, yet full of life and promise to symbolize how even the smallest acts of care, justice, and solidarity can break through hardened hearts and broken systems, much like flowers blooming through cracks in asphalt.

Quoting the prophet Isaiah, he reminded the faithful that God’s Spirit can turn “an arid and parched desert into a garden, a place of peace and serenity.” He also raised alarm over the relentless assault on creation, citing the realities of Climate change, deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and the tragic human toll of armed conflicts and environmental injustice.

The Pope noted that the most vulnerable especially the poor, the marginalized, and indigenous Communities bear the heaviest burdens of these crises.

He lamented that nature is often reduced to a bargaining chip, exploited for economic or political gain, turning God’s creation into a battleground over vital resources such as land, water, and raw materials.

Calling for a renewed understanding of humanity’s relationship with the earth, the Pope urged Christians to cultivate a spirit of mutual responsibility, rooted in the biblical command to “till and keep” the earth.

He pointed to ongoing Church initiatives like the Borgo Laudato Si’ project at Castel Gandolfo as practical models of integral ecology, combining education, community life, and care for creation.

As the Season of Creation approaches (September 1–October 4, 2025), Pope Leo XIV encouraged individuals, parishes, and communities to participate in prayer, action, and advocacy, ensuring that ecological conversion leads to real and lasting change.

Ending his message with a prayer for “an abundant harvest of peace and hope,” Pope Leo offered his blessing and urged the Church to remain steadfast in its mission as “pilgrims of hope,” journeying toward ecological healing and social justice.