Pope Leo XIV visits Borgo Laudato Sì, reaffirms Church’s ecological mission

Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit on May 30, to the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, where he toured the Borgo Laudato Sì, a project dedicated to ecological education and care for creation, launched by Pope Francis.

The Borgo Laudato Sì—or “Laudato Sì Village”—is situated within the historic Papal Villas and serves as a model of integral ecology, a core principle of Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato si’. The site is designed as a center for formation, ecological awareness, and inclusion.

According to the Holy See Press Office, Leo XIV was welcomed by Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Under Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and Fr. Manuel Dorantes, Borgo’s project director.

The pope began his visit with a moment of reflection in the Garden of the Virgin Mary before proceeding to the Belvedere Gardens and the Cryptoporticus, the ancient remains of a Roman audience hall built by Emperor Domitian.

There, he recalled with admiration the “courageous actions of Pope Pius XII,” who sheltered over 12,000 people during World War II following the bombing of the Castelli Romani region.

Pope Leo also toured the Apostolic Palace, converted into a public museum by Pope Francis in 2016, and the historic Villa Barberini before returning to the Vatican.

The Borgo Laudato Sì was officially founded in 2023 through two chirographs by Pope Francis, aimed at fostering ecological education and sustainable development.

The Borgo encompasses 20 hectares of farmland, greenhouses, and learning spaces, forming a living laboratory for the care of our “common home.”

In addition to welcoming students, entrepreneurs, and ecological specialists, the Borgo extends its mission to marginalized communities, including migrants, women survivors of violence, individuals with disabilities, ex-prisoners, and others often excluded from educational and economic opportunities.

With programs led by experts in botany, biology, ecology, and environmental sciences, the Borgo offers both educational and vocational training, such as courses in gardening and green space management, empowering participants while promoting sustainability.

Leo XIV’s visit underscores the Church’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive development, themes that are central to the Laudato si’ message.

The pope’s presence also reaffirms the Vatican’s dedication to ensuring that care for creation is deeply tied to care for people, especially the most vulnerable.

"Borgo Laudato Sì,” as envisioned by Pope Francis, continues to serve as a concrete expression of the Church’s call to protect our planet while embracing integral human development, dialogue, and solidarity.