Three days of dialogue, faith, and commitment mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’
From October 1 to 3, 2025, around 1,000 participants from 80 countries gathered in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, for the Raising Hope Conference, a landmark event marking the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’. Organised and supported by a wide alliance of partners, including CIDSE, the conference brought together Church leaders, scientists, activists, and community representatives to reflect on the challenges of the climate crisis and to renew collective hope for a more sustainable and just world.
A cry from the heart
“It was a privilege to witness Pope Leo set out his commitment to integral ecology and climate justice, and to hear him unequivocally continue the teaching and urgency of Pope Francis, maintaining that all of us, whatever our role or interests, have a shared responsibility to care for the planet that is our common home and our brothers and sisters in need”
The opening day, held at the Focolare Movement’s International Mariapolis Center, was marked by deeply symbolic and moving moments. Pope Leo XIV set the tone with a powerful appeal to “return to the heart,” reminding participants that true ecological conversion begins from within. In his address, the Pope urged humanity to move “from collecting data to caring,” calling for a transformation of both personal and community lifestyles.
A block of ice transported from Greenland became the conference’s most striking symbol. Blessed by the Pope and surrounded by water brought from different parts of the world, it represented both the fragility of creation and the interconnectedness of all life. The gesture invited reflection on how the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor are one and the same.
Distinguished guests, including former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brazil’s Minister of Environment Marina Silva, joined the Holy Father on stage, underlining the global and cross-sectoral reach of the event. As Schwarzenegger urged the 1.5 billion Catholics worldwide to take up climate action as a moral responsibility, Silva called for COP30 to become the “COP of hope.”
Voices of hope and justice
“Hope is really hard to muster on your own, but when you’re in community, you can transmit courage and faith to each other — and create hope together.”
The second day focused on transforming urgency into active hope. Discussions revolved around the role of faith, science, and community in addressing the ecological crisis. Cardinal Jaime Spengler of Brazil offered a profound reminder that “mercy is a cry for justice,” affirming that climate justice cannot be separated from human dignity.
Panels moderated by experts such as journalist Austen Ivereigh and Chiara Martinelli of Climate Action Network Europe brought together a diversity of voices—from Indigenous leaders like Patricia Gualinga to scientists, youth advocates, and theologians. Together, they explored how Laudato Si’ continues to inspire action across generations and religions.
In the afternoon, participants made a symbolic pilgrimage to the Borgo Laudato Si’, a new space within the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV. It offered a moment of contemplation in nature and a reminder of how beauty, prayer, and ecological action are deeply connected.
Commitments for the future
On the final day, the melting of the Greenland ice block became the conference’s unifying image. Participants collected some of the blessed water to take home, a sign of shared responsibility and a tangible reminder of their mission to protect our common home. Dr. Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, called it “something very powerful,” noting that this water would be brought symbolically to COP30 in Brazil.
The conference culminated in the presentation of People-Determined Contributions (PDCs), commitments shared by participants from around the world on the website www.raisinghope.earth/action. These pledges reflect a grassroots response to the global climate emergency, embodying the spirit of Laudato Si’ through local and personal action.
In closing sessions, speakers such as Kumi Naidoo, Yeb Saño, and Mons. Robert Vitillo emphasized that resilience, solidarity, and faith are essential to building a sustainable future. Participants expressed gratitude for ten years of the Laudato Si’ Movement, celebrating the joy that continues to animate this global community.
A shared path forward
“The Raising Hope Conference highlighted the urgent need for climate action ahead of COP30. CIDSE and its members actively engaged in the event, joining faith leaders, civil society, and the most vulnerable to raise their voices for justice. We will continue working side by side with communities worldwide, advocating for a fair and ambitious transition to a sustainable future.”
For CIDSE, as one of the organisers and supporters of the Raising Hope Conference, these three days offered a living expression of its mission to promote ecological justice and global solidarity. The event reaffirmed that faith-based action, rooted in compassion, courage, and collaboration, can contribute meaningfully to the systemic transformation our planet urgently needs.
As the blessed water journeys toward COP30, the message from Castel Gandolfo remains clear: caring for our common home requires both conversion of the heart and commitment in action. Hope, when shared and lived together, becomes a powerful force for change.
CIDSE contact: Giorgio Gotra, Operations & Communications manager, CIDSE (gotra(at)cidse.org)
Cover image: Raising Hope conference participants. Photo article credits: Laudato Si’ Movement (2025)