By Laudato Voices
“Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way forward, always a space for renewal.” — Laudato Si’, 61. Commemorating a decade of ecological conversion with Laudato Si’ and embracing a renewed commitment to caring for our common home.
May 24 2025 marked a joyful and deeply meaningful milestone for the global Catholic community and all people of good will — the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on care for our common home. As we reflected on a decade of ecological inspiration, advocacy, and action, we were called once again to renew our commitment to a reconciled creation, rooted in justice, peace, and integral ecology.
A Global Celebration of Faith and Stewardship
To mark this historic moment, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission of the International Unions of Superiors General (UISG/USG) hosted a global prayerful and musical webinar in collaboration with partners from the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP), the Laudato Si’ Movement, and other faith-based organizations. The event brought together voices from across continents — religious, lay, and youth — in celebration and in renewed ecological solidarity.
We were proud that our mentor Br. Adolf Mugume, CSC was among the featured speakers at this special webinar. Representing the voice of Laudato Youth and our initiative’s contribution to ecological conversion, Br. Adolf’s message was one calling to action, giving hope, sharing the resilience, and commitment of the Laudato Youth Initiative to grassroots action — especially among young people navigating climate impacts in the Global South.
A Decade of Impact and Inner Conversion
This global event served not only as a celebration but also as a moment of reflection and recommitment. We looked back on the transformative power of Laudato Si’, which has sparked ecological ministries, community-based action, interfaith dialogue, and environmental education around the world. Through storytelling, music, and prayer, participants explored themes of inner ecological conversion, urging all to renew their spiritual relationship with God, creation, and each other.
In this time of renewal, the election of Pope Leo XIV offers a symbolic and spiritual bridge into a new chapter of the Church’s journey — one where ecological justice, youth leadership, and synodal listening take center stage.
Laudato Youth Initiative: Our Story Celebrated
We were humbled and honored that our work was highlighted as one of the stories of impact during the webinar. From youth-led climate actions and tree planting campaigns to our educational outreach and policy advocacy, the Laudato Youth Initiative continues to embody the vision of Laudato Si’ by walking with young people on their ecological conversion journey.
Our efforts in Uganda and beyond have shown that hope is not just a concept — it is action, lived in community, and guided by the Spirit. As Br. Adolf reminded the global audience, “Young people are not only the future of the Church — we are the present stewards of creation. What we do today matters.”
A Few Months Ago the Vatican Media Also Featured Br. Adolf sharing about our impact in three Episodes
Episode1 https://youtu.be/8g9UyQC0Eno?si=-DcrmQh2N3qXKGoA
Episode 2 https://youtu.be/Qcwx6CzGxtw?si=0V_vGUPs5c_1gGfo
Episode 4 https://youtu.be/AMwKqLGjx2Y?si=wy8gWXwDxUQYZmYU
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we look forward to World Environment Day 2025, we recommit ourselves to this sacred mission. Through our Laudato Si Clubs activities and programs like, clean-up campaigns, media engagements, tree planting, and promoting plastic-free living, we will continue to raise hope for a reconciled creation — a world where all life is respected, protected, and nurtured. Raising and an ecological generation of Laudato Youth.
Let this 10-year celebration of Laudato Si’ ignite in us a deeper ecological spirituality, one that listens to both the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. As youth, as people of faith, and as members of the global human family, we rise together to care for our common home.
“Creator God, teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, and to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature.” — Laudato Si’, 246
