This year, the Vatican has unveiled an inspiring theme for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, celebrated annually on September 1. Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Seeds of Peace and Hope,” emphasizing the profound interconnection between peace and the stewardship of our environment. This year’s theme is key to us because at the beginning of this year it was in our discernment to reflect on ways of fostering climate action and peace through academic symposiums and education seminars. In our recent research presentation by Mr. Augustine Bahemuka and Ms. Immaculate Kisembo at the University of Nairobi, it was noted that there is a big knowledge gap among young people to integrate the connection between climate change, environment and peace. Our discussions were centered on ways to enhance “YOUTH-LED ACTIONS FOR CLIMATE AND PEACE” highlighting the impact of climate change on justice and peace. Read the detailed presentation https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Kisembo-LYI-Mental-Health.pdf
This year reflecting on the statement by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development highlighted the 2025 theme, “Peace with Creation,” which draws its insights from the Biblical passage Isaiah 32:14–18. This scripture for us will serve as a reminder of the inherent connection between peace and the natural world. Pope Francis and his predecessors have consistently emphasized this link in their teachings, noting that genuine peace cannot exist without respect for creation. This also comes at a time when Uganda’s Catholic Bishops have issued an appeal to the nation to confront growing political and social instability, warning that the country is “on the edge” and urging a return to values of justice, dialogue, and moral integrity. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-04/uganda-catholic-bishops-pastoral-letter-elections-2026-violence.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7-LbRsdRRiHODnugdudBGJRaX5B3wc1cD4eHPkVR3-eh8SzsMC0273Zi_vyQ_aem_L0h1ZGrf0rHDSzbiDwqtbQ
It is a reality for us to reflect on the reality that the relationship between environmental degradation and conflict is stark, with conflicts often leading to the waste of precious resources through destruction and armament and evident reality that the northern part of our Country is struggling with. The post LRA war left a lot to be desired in line with peace and conflict
This theme comes to us at a critical time when the Ugandan Bishops conference has just released a Pastoral letter that also addresses matters of hope and peace. Let me reecho the words of Pope Francis who remarked on the Jubilee of communications that “It’s up to us to write the future,” and yes, it’s by sowing seeds of hope and mutual understanding working together to promote the message of justice, peace and integrity of creation. Reflecting on the interwoven story of our revered Uganda Martyrs Uganda which gives Uganda and the rest of the world to each year reflect on the sacrifice they made by pouring their blood “the seed of faith” that was down on our land should be seen as an opportunity to each year reflect on the realities affecting
where we highlighted the interconnection between climate change and peace
Thus, the announcement of the theme from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, underscoring the significance of this celebration, which also coincides with the Jubilee Year https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/jubilee-year/ and the 10th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato si’ https://wp.me/pfYoTF-fNP inspire us more in our mission to respond more creatively and practically to the message of Laudato Si in the different events and activities we are preparing this year.
The Season of Creation is an ecumenical initiative that spans from September 1, the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This annual observance invites Christians and people of goodwill to reflect on the importance of caring for our planet and fostering a sustainable future for all living beings. This season is always an opportunity for us to engage in creation care activities and inter-faith dialogue. Just like last year https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/2024/09/12/an-interfaith-conference-on-climate-and-environment/ on September 17th 2025, we plan to host an interfaith conference on peace and climate action where the Laudato Youth Initiative, John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre, Caritas Kampala, Caritas Konge Lukuli parish, right choices consultants and Lay Fransiscans with unite with other interfaith groups and institutions with an aim of an aim of strengthening the Interfaith Network on Climate Action with a response that strongly fits this year’s theme; “Seeds of Peace and Hope”
resolution but also the environment. Many forests were cut and even today we see the challenge of charcoal burning, more needed efforts towards reforestation, peace and reconciliation. As our mother earth grapples with the consequences of climate change and ecological collapse, the call for an integrated peace becomes even more pressing. The Dicastery’s statement encourages us to unite in prayer and action, fostering conditions that lead to lasting peace—an essential foundation for hope and renewal.
The metaphor of “seeds” in this year’s theme speaks to the need for long-term commitment and action. Just as seeds require nurturing to grow and flourish, so too do our efforts to cultivate peace and care for creation demand sustained dedication. The call for “Seeds of Peace and Hope” envisions a future where these ideals take root and blossom across all continents, inspiring communities to work collaboratively for the common good.
in Ecological Sustainability. Their martyrdom not only marked a pivotal moment in Uganda’s history but also ignited a flame of ecological consciousness that would burn brightly for generations to come. Read Full Story
They planted trees, tended to gardens, and practiced sustainable farming, ensuring that their community thrived while respecting the earth. Their story is a poignant reminder that faith and ecological sustainability are intertwined, urging each person to take up the mantle of stewardship in their daily lives.
As we prepare for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, let us embrace the message of hope and peace that Pope Francis has set forth. Together, we can nurture the seeds of change, fostering a world where harmony with creation and lasting peace are not merely aspirations, but realities that we actively pursue. The journey toward a more sustainable and peaceful future begins with our renewed and collective commitment to care for our planet and each other. Let us step forward in faith, united in our mission to protect our environment and advocate for peace, ensuring that our actions today sow the seeds of a better tomorrow.
References:
- Laudato Youth Initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved from Laudato Youth Initiative (https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Kisembo-LYI-Mental-Health.pdf)
- Vatican News. (n.d.). Uganda Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter. Retrieved from Vatican News (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-04/uganda-catholic-bishops-pastoral-letter-elections-2026-violence.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7b2Z8oRb_4apxyDRjXBC7Z47WJqSYlHj-Rj63AXCvR3x6WYCg7-BddYJ-eHg_aem_Z3PbiWhDqQwTmFLFWD25NA)
By Laudato Voices!
