Celebrating a Decade of Laudato Si’: Honoring the Vision, Renewing the Mission of Pope Francis’ appeal for the care of God’s Creation

On May 16, 2025, the Archdiocese of Kampala hosted a celebration of Laudato Si’s 10th anniversary at Munyonyo Martyrs Basilica, presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere. The Eucharistic celebration honored the achievements of faith based organisation and young catholic environmental leaders for participating in the noble cause of renewing the Church’s commitment to integral ecology.

In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere urged the faithful to emulate St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology, and to “co-create” with God by caring for creation. He highlighted the importance of youth participation, commending the Laudato Si Club of Holy Cross Lake View for their pioneering work. Notably, the event observed a zero-plastic policy, encouraging attendees to use reusable water bottles—a simple but powerful act of ecological responsibility.

The bishop also emphasized the protection of aquatic ecosystems, calling attention to the urgency of preserving fish species and freshwater sources, especially in the face of pollution and environmental degradation.

During the celebration, the Laudato Si Club of Holy Cross Lake View showcased a series of eco-innovative projects that demonstrated how youth are translating Laudato Si into action. These included:

These exhibitions are a living embodiment of Pope Francis’ vision of ecological conversion and integral human development. They represent a youth-led “mindset shift” that sees care for creation not as a burden, but as a mission of hope, innovation, and faith in action.

The theme for the Season of Creation 2025—“Peace with Creation”—aligns seamlessly with the Laudato Youth Initiative’s Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Green Hope.” This theme envisions youth as stewards of the Earth, walking a path of justice, peace, and ecological harmony. As we celebrate the 10 years anniversary of Laudato Si we reflect on our role and peace builders and our embodiment of integral ecology

Through spiritual pilgrimages, storytelling, and creative climate action activities and programs, young people are building bridges between generations, cultures, and ecosystems. Laudato Youth are exploring practical hands on project to empower young people in fostering meaningful climate action activities.

Mr. Male Joseph of Avail Fruits of Faith Farm attended Mass with us and later interacted with the students about their exhibitions promising to journey with them to innovate for Agriculture and become self sufficient and fulfill their potential through sharing knowledge, insights and innovations.

While much remains to be done to fully implement Laudato Si’, the past decade has proven its transformative power. In Uganda, the Laudato Youth Initiative has demonstrated that young people, when empowered with knowledge, faith, and opportunity, can be catalysts of change. Their voices, innovation, and resilience are shaping a legacy rooted in ecological justice, intergenerational solidarity, and hope for the planet. As “Pilgrims of Green Hope,” they light the way for a sustainable future, honoring the legacy of Pope Francis and walking in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi—with open hearts, creative minds, and the courage to protect our common home.

Sarah for

Laudato Voices