Event for the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si brought together religious, environmental and political leaders from all continents in Rome
Considered by many scholars as the document of the millennium, Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si, on environmental care, launched in 2015 – the same year as the Paris Agreement (UN) and the origin of ISER's Faith in the Climate – completed a decade and to celebrate these first 10 years an event was held in Rome, from October 1 to 3.
Religious leaders, especially Catholics, as well as those from all major global traditions, plus environmentalists, scientists, political and UN representatives, journalists, Indigenous people, including Brazilians, and people from every continent gathered for three days. The agenda was packed with analysis, testimonies, music and other arts, best practices, thoughtful reflections, and challenges for today and tomorrow. The future doesn't wait, and environmental problems are mounting around the world, with consequences for everyone, but especially acute for the poorest. As is typical of these events, there were many parallel meetings and discussions, strengthening partnerships through national and international initiatives.
The meeting took place in Castel Gandolfo, a small, beautiful, and touristy town near Rome, whose origins date back to Emperor Domitian in the first century AD. It was once a vacation spot for the German writer Goethe and has been the papal summer residence since the 16th century. In part of this immense and beautiful property, with French-style gardens, Pope Francis dreamed of a space for environmental education, which Pope Leo XIV enacted this year, naming it Burgo Laudato Si.
The opening of the meeting, attended by approximately one thousand guests, featured three keynote speakers. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who highlighted his commitment and environmental actions during his time as governor of California, emphasized the need for a courageous political and spiritual stance against future-ending projects that destroy nature. Environment Minister Marina Silva addressed the challenge of socio-environmental and climate justice, inviting the Pope to COP 30 in Belém. Finally, Leo XIV, who celebrated Francis's initiative and the need to take a stand in defense of our Common Home, given the grave situation facing the planet, especially for the poorest, due to the drastic climate consequences.
ISER was present throughout the event, through Clemir Fernandes, deputy director, and Paulo Sampaio, political-religious coordinator, along with three dozen other Brazilians, as well as Latin Americans and people from various countries around the world. Cardinal Jaime Spengler, archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of CELAM, and Dom Ricardo Hoepers, secretary general of the CNBB also delivered powerful speeches in the plenary session. Another Brazilian who stood out in leading the meeting was Igor Bastos of the Laudato Si Movement. André Trigueiro, a journalist with a spiritualist background, and Rayana Burgos, of Umbanda, also participated directly in the event.
In Rome, Clemir and Paulo were interviewed by Vatican Radio, which even became news published in Vatican News, about the work of ISER, especially the holding of inter-religious vigils for the Earth, with the Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Tapiri that take place in all regions of the country and that will culminate with the vigil at the COP in Belém, on November 13th.
Under the theme "Raising Hope," the meeting sought to strengthen hope and partnerships in the fight for socio-environmental and climate justice. The closing ceremony witnessed a broadening of ethical awareness through spiritual and political action in the face of the enormous challenges of this current situation, committing participants to renewed faith and expanded partnerships for the well-being of our Common Home.
Clemir Fernandes
Executive Deputy Director of ISER