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(ANS – Castel Gandolfo) – From 1 to 3 October, the quiet beauty of Castel Gandolfo (Italy) hosted the Raising Hope Conference. Over 400 participants, religious leaders, scientists, Indigenous voices, youth advocates, and civil society members to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ powerful call to care for our common home. As member of the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA), Don Bosco International (DBI) attended the conference, which was more than an event, it was a solidarity and spiritual movement.
On 1 October, Pope Leo XIV honoured the legacy of Laudato Si’, which “has proven to be a source of dialogue” recognizing its impact across schools, churches, academic institutions, and global summits. He reminded us that the phrase “care for our common home” has become a guiding light in public discourse and spiritual reflection.
The Holy Father spoke of the heart as the place where true transformation begins. “It is only by returning to the heart,” he said, “that a real ecological conversion can take place. We must shift from collecting data to caring; and from environmental discourse to an ecological conversion that transforms both personal and communal lifestyles.”
Throughout the conference, voices from every corner of the globe echoed this call. They spoke of the inseparable bond between climate justice and human dignity. Among many high-level panellists: Yeb Saño - President of the Board of Directors of the Laudato Si' Movement, Hon. Marina Silva - Minister of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, Dr. Iyad Abu Moghli - Founder and Director of the Faith for Earth Initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Arnold Schwarzenegger - Founder of the Schwarzenegger Institute (USC) and former governor of California, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J. - Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development…
The second day unfolded with prayer, dialogue, and reflection, centred around one question: How can we turn ecological urgency into active hope? The answers came in many forms: scientific insight, spiritual wisdom, Indigenous traditions, and youthful energy. We had the honour of listening the testimony and reflections of Ms. Priyanka Lalla - UNICEF Youth Advocate.
The day closed with a visit to Borgo Laudato Si’, a sacred space where art, nature, and prayer meet. It was a reminder that creation care is not just a duty, but it is a joy.
Workshops led also by ELSiA sparked collaboration and creativity. Participants reflected on strengths, challenges and good practices inspired by Laudato Si'. This allowed for a deeper understanding of the people and organisations involved, creating new connections and discovering the power of collective action to nurture hope and healing.
At the end of the conference, participants submitted a personal or professional pledge, receiving water from the Greenland glacier that the Holy Father blessed on the first day.
As Pope Leo XIV asked, “What will be our answer when God asks if we have cared for the world and our brothers and sisters?” The Raising Hope Conference invited each of us to respond with courage, solidarity, and commitment.
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