“Dominion over nature. The task which God gave humanity should not become tyrannical. It must be a relationship of reciprocity with the environment.” -Bishop Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV)
“Dominion over nature should not become tyrannical,” Pope Leo XIV has declared, setting a moral tone that resonates deeply with Laudato Youth (Stewards of the Future). As young people formed by the vision of Laudato Si’, the Catholic Social Teachings, SDG 13 call to Action and our National Spiritual heritage of Uganda Martyrs and integral ecology while reflecting on our national environmental laws. We welcome his words not only as a warning, but as an invitation: to reimagine our relationship with the Earth, not as masters, but as stewards and siblings.
Pope Leo XIV
With roots experience about the climate change crisis in Latin America and a voice echoing the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy at a time when climate disruption is no longer a future threat. It is a lived reality. He inherits the prophetic ecological witness of Pope Francis, but also the responsibility to carry it further. The question is no longer whether the Church will act, but how deeply it will commit to an ecological conversion that transforms hearts, habits, and systems. To us this is a moving forward step and we want to be part of this story! Of a young generation that will keep the legacy of Pope Francis taking on a strong identity named “Laudato Youth” for all our members. Just like we have heard, the world of Rotarians impacts the world. We want the world of Laudato Youth to inspire a world of Pilgrims of Green Hope. It is truly a journey for all of us and we need to unite more people to join us on this journey of building the Kingdom of Justice and peace. Our theme for this years season of creation has a lot to teach us
Laudato Youth Hopes
As Laudato Youth, our hopes for Pope Leo XIV are bold and inspiring to reimagine a stronger commitment towards ecological conversion and spiritual transformation in our digital age.
- We see Pope Leo XIV inspiring the church and world to move from statement to structure embedding ecological justice into the heart of Catholic life: in education, liturgy, economics, media, justice/ peace and Diocese/Parish model priorities.
Our Laudato Clubs President Sarah Kirikumwino at the Interfaith Conference on Climate and Environment address youth role in building structures of resilience in Schools, Parishes, Dioceses and Communities a model embraces by Laudato Youth Initiative in our Laudato Si Clubs. - We pray that he will lift up young leaders not as a future hope, but as present protagonists of change especially Indigenous Youth Groups and those on the frontlines of environmental degradation and wars that have exacerbated a lot of suffering and mental breakdown of young people especially those who live in the peripheries and our African Continent which has potence for the church today and in the future.https://youtu.be/ZTeZ9CPBR9k?si=kphvV3QOf-mXn-G0
Environmental degradation is threatening both our present livelihood and our future. From industrial waste to water pollution and plastic-filled water channels, We are at a crossroads. Our communities are troubled, our rivers polluted, our soils strained, and our air growing unsafe. Plastic waste is choking our land. We see it. We live it. But we are united for action, raise awareness, and we call for bold leadership decisions that can shape better action plans for a brighter future.To achieve real change, we need everyone. Every voice. Every hand. Every heart. Together, we can restore what we have damaged and protect what is sacred.The time is now. The action is ours as the appeal of Laudato Youth been always. - We pray that the church and world leaders support his work and appeals. This will deepen the Church’s moral voice on climate justice, confronting extractive systems, championing human rights, and challenging political indifference. Letting the voice of Christ and God lead the way. As he stated in his homily of May 9th, the new Pope called for always better cultivating a personal relationship with Christ; and he insisted that, without faith, life lacks meaning. Many young people today have lost meaning in life because of the limited engagement in faith matters and truly the need to blend science and faith is crucial. As we realize human development in science and technology we do not loose the formation of the heart more emphasis is needed to integrate faith and reason, God and Nature, Family and Community, Inter personal Social life and Technology, Values and Cultures, Bridging the Generation Gaps; where elders mentor the young on matter of faith and human development.
Youth Conference to help young people blend faith, human growth and sustainability; learning life skills, ecological values etc. during holidays – Laudato Si Week - We also pray that God gives him the grace to help the world see creation as sacred, and climate action as spiritual practice, a form of prayer, love, and fidelity to God’s gift of life and the future of the. Church and for us the young people.
Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, the Ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese, together with the Youth Chaplain Fr. Paul Mugabiomu Amooti, praying before planting a tree a gesture that sent a powerful message to the youth to youth at the Conference about the importance of uniting as young people in faith and action for the care of creation as emphasized by our Laudato Youth Leader - Laudato Youth integrates faith and action. As our mentor says our work is summarized in these words “Small palms big footprint” our small hands united in action can create big footprints.
This is more than policy. It is a plea for justice. For reverence. For change. In Pope Leo XIV, we hope to see a Church more rooted, more prophetic, and more alive bearing the fruits of Laudato Si’ in a wounded yet wondrous world.
By Laudato Voices
