From 19 to 21 September, as part of the Season of Creation (1 September – 4 October) and on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’, the bishops and national directors for the safeguard of creation of the European Bishops’ Conferences convened in Castel Gandolfo.
The theme of the event, organised by the Section for the Safeguard of Creation of the CCEE Commission for Social Pastoral Care, was dedicated to the encyclical of Pope Francis: “Laudato si’: Conversion and Commitment”. In addition to directors from the Bishops’ Conferences, representatives from the main European organisations involved in the care of creation and the social mission of the Church were also present.
The meeting opened on 19 September with the Byzantine hymn Akathistos, presided over by H.E. Msgr. Bohdan DZYURAKH, Apostolic Exarch for the Ukrainian faithful of the Byzantine Rite in Germany and Scandinavia and President of the CCEE Commission for Social Pastoral Care. This was followed by A reflection on the legacy of Laudato si’ offered by Sr. Alessandra SMERILLI, FMA, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Sr. Smerilli recalled Pope Francis and the prophetic value of Laudato si’, emphasising how the encyclical has initiated lasting processes in the areas of formation, pastoral care, interreligious dialogue and international cooperation. She also referred to the two challenges that remain to be solved: the need to move from words to deeds, and that of a profound conversion of the heart. Only in this way, she said, can we truly respond to the cry of the earth and the poor.
On Saturday, 20 September, the participants celebrated Lauds and Holy Mass “pro custodia creationis” in the Giardino della Madonnina del Borgo Laudato si’ (Garden of the Madonnina of the Borgo Laudato si’), presided over by H.E. Msgr. Gintaras GRUŠAS, Archbishop of Vilnius and CCEE President. Afterwards, they visited the Borgo Laudato si’, located within the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, which represents a concrete example of sustainable living and the practical application of the integral ecology proposed by Pope Francis.
In the afternoon, the working sessions were opened by Archbishop Gintaras GRUŠAS, President of the CCEE, who thanked the speakers and welcomed all participants. The President emphasised that creation can only be understood authentically and fully from the perspective of the gift entrusted to humanity by God, and not as a theme dictated by ideologies. “In this entrustment of creation to us, God shows to us the value and dignity of the gift He places in the hands of human beings, namely, the common home in which He has placed us”. Furthermore, he emphasised that the experience of God within oneself is not separate from one’s relationship with creatures and must be rooted in love, justice and perseverance. Finally, he reiterated the importance of the Church’s integral ecology approach, which goes beyond the purely ecological issue and “transcends the language of mathematics and biology, to take us to the heart of what it is to be human, whilst opening to the full development of humanity and encompassing its human, social and spiritual dimensions”.
Archbishop Bohdan DZYURAKH highlighted the enduring value of the encyclical Laudato si’, considering it a milestone in the Catholic Church’s teaching and action on environmental issues. He offered participants three key reflections to guide the proceedings: a theological and spiritual perspective on creation; The importance of ecclesial collaboration and shared responsibility; and the challenge of environmental education. Archbishop Dzyurakh reiterated that this gathering is not only an opportunity for discussion, but also a genuine spiritual celebration and community reflection, particularly significant in the context of the Jubilee Year.
The first working session, entitled “Laudato si’: Ten Years of Ecclesial Commitment”, was followed by another, that focused on “Theology of Creation and Christian Spirituality”, featuring two speakers. Prof. Carmody GREY (University of Radboud, The Netherlands) gave a speech entitled “Laudato si’: Origins and Prospects” in which she emphasised that the encyclical is a theology of creation, not just an ecological appeal. Care of creation is an essential part of the Christian faith, not a political option. Looking to the future, she outlined three priorities: reaffirming ecological care as a commitment of faith, combating systemic injustices related to the environment, and building resilient and hopeful communities. “It is an accountability to the poor, and to those not yet born. In this moment, that means committing and recommitting to ecological conversion within our own lives, communities, and regions. And it means putting pressure on those actors who have the power to prevent further global heating and destruction of nature”, concluded Prof. Grey.
Prof. Stefan GEIGER, OSB (Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Rome) reflected on the theme “The Meaning of Care of Creation for Christian Spirituality”, illustrating the profound connection between Christian spirituality and care of creation. Christian spirituality is not a theory, but a concrete way of life. It arises from the recognition of man as a creature: shaped from the earth but crowned with glory (Psalm 8). It involves body and soul, personal experience and liturgical life. The liturgy, especially the Eucharist, reveals the unity between creation, human work and redemption. True Christian spirituality requires an ecological conversion: from domination to stewardship, from isolation to communion: “The meaning of care for creation in Christian spirituality lies in the call to conversion: from absolute domination to responsible stewardship, from individualism to communion, from disembodied spirituality to life in the Spirit that embraces all creation”.
On Sunday, 21 September, participants celebrated Holy Mass in the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo, presided over by H.E. Msgr. Vincenzo VIVA, Bishop of Albano.
The final working session took the form of a round table discussion on the topic of “Prospects of Ecclesial Commitment”, moderated by Rev. Luis OKULIK, Secretary of the CCEE Commission for Social Pastoral Care. Representatives of the main organisations involved in care of creation and the social mission of the Church: Porticus, ELSiA (European Laudato Si’ Alliance), JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service), the Laudato Si’ Movement, Caritas Europa, ECEN (European Christian Environmental Network), Don Bosco International and Ecological Conversion Group Charity all presented their work, projects and objectives, reflecting together on common areas of collaboration.
The next meeting will be held online in 2026.
