ELSiA Reflection Day 2025
Towards Integral ecology: policy pathways for climate justic and human dignity.
Celebrating World Environment Day with reflections on Laudato Si’ and EU policy
!!! NEW: Watch the recording of the event !!!
Read also the ELSIA event report: “Marking a decade of Laudato Si’“
How to participate: register HERE (mandatory) by 2nd June 2025
Language: EN
BACKGROUND
Encouraged by the success of previous editions, the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) is planning a celebratory event in Brussels to mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. Since its publication, the text has been a valuable source of inspiration for millions of Catholics (and others) around the world, including in Europe. Its messages have also reached the political world, drawing attention to the root causes of “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”. Together with European decision-makers, the members of ELSiA would like to reflect on and share how the messages of the encyclical are still relevant and what can be done to make them a reality in EU policy making.
PROGRAMME
16:00: Opening prayer and welcome by Maria Nyman, Secretary General of Caritas Europa
16:05: Introduction to ELSiA & the work of ELSiA by Stefan Lunte, Secretary General of Justice and Peace Europe
16:15: Keynote speech by Dr Lorna Gold, Executive Director of Laudato Si’ Movement
16:25: Panel discussion on sustainable food systems
Moderator: Johannes Moravitz, Adviser on Ecology, Energy & Agriculture, COMECE
Panellists:
- MEP Manuela Ripa (EPP)
- Béla Kuslits, Senior Ecology Officer, Jesuit European Social Centre
- European Commission representative (tbc)
17:05: Transition by Stefan Lunte
17:10: Panel discussion on a just energy transition
Moderator: Josianne Gauthier, Secretary General, CIDSE
Panellists:
- Philippe Lamberts, Advisor to the European Commission Presidency
- Jean Yves Terlinden, International Cooperation and Humanitarian Director, Caritas Europa
- MEP (tbc)
17:50: Presentation of an ELSiA eco-praxis project
18:00: Closing prayer and closing remarks by Michael Kuhn
18:10 Cocktail reception
ELSiA is a network of Catholic organisations committed to joining forces to adapt the comprehensive approach of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ and related Church teachings to a European context with a special focus on the institutions of the European Union. The alliance is composed by Caritas Europa, CIDSE, COMECE, Don Bosco International, JESC, Justice and Peace Europe, and Laudato Si’ Movement.