Pope Leo XIV Inaugurates Borgo Laudato si’ as Model of Ecological Conversion and Christian Hope

Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the Borgo Laudato si’ at the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo on 5 Sept, describing it as a “seed of hope” for the Church and the world amid today’s climate and ecological crisis.

In his homily, the Pope reflected on the Gospel of Matthew (6:26–30), where Jesus points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as signs of God’s providence.

He underlined that creation is not only a gift but also a responsibility entrusted to humanity, reminding the faithful that “the care of creation represents a true vocation for every human being. We are creatures among creatures, not creators. To care for the earth is to honor the design of God.”

The Borgo Laudato si’ is among the concrete initiatives inspired by Pope Francis, especially his encyclical Laudato si’ (2015) and apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (2023).

Pope Leo XIV described the project as a continuation of Pope Francis’s prophetic call to ecological conversion, calling it “an inheritance from Pope Francis, a seed that can bear fruits of justice and peace.”

Located on the grounds of Castel Gandolfo, once the papal summer residence, the Borgo integrates spirituality, education, sustainable technology, art, history, and agriculture in one setting. It includes organic farming, renewable energy systems, educational centers, and spaces for prayer and interreligious dialogue.

Vatican officials explained that the project is not a symbolic gesture but a tangible witness of the Church’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

“This is a place where spirituality, nature, and human creativity coexist in harmony,” Pope Leo XIV noted, adding that in the spirit of the borgo, a village of proximity and conviviality, “we rediscover that everything speaks to us of God.”

The inauguration comes at a time of growing concern for the planet, as scientists continue to warn about the worsening effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, challenges that hit the poor and vulnerable the hardest.

Within the Catholic Church, the Season of Creation (September 1–October 4) is currently being observed around the world, including Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) with ecological liturgies, tree-planting initiatives, and advocacy campaigns. The opening of the Borgo Laudato si’ provides a spiritual and practical center of inspiration for these global efforts.

Pope Leo XIV concluded by urging the faithful not to view ecological care as optional but as central to Christian discipleship. “The vocation to be custodians of God’s creation is demanding yet beautiful,” he said. “It is an essential part of our Christian experience.”

With this initiative, the Vatican hopes to inspire similar projects in different contexts, uniting communities in a common mission to live out the Gospel through care for the earth and for one another.