Laudato Voices Reflecting on a Decade of call to Action and Urgency. As the African Continent gathers to mark 10 years since the publication of Laudato Si’, today’s opening of the Laudato Si’ Africa Conference at Bethany Land Institute Uganda, centered on the question: “10 Years of Laudato Si’ – Where is Africa?”. It was a profound honor for our youth leaders to join faith-based and global climate leaders in reflecting, learning, and lavaging powerful lessons on ecological stewardship, faith, and justice.
Highlights from Day One included:
Opening Remarks: Fr.Emmanuel Katongole Fr. Emmanuel Katongole – Co-Founder/President of Bethany Land Institute; Professor of Theology & Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame
Welcome Address: Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa – Bishop, Diocese of Kasana-Luweero and Most Reverend Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of Kampala
Invocation: Rev. Dan Groody, C.S.C. – Vice President & Associate Provost, Professor of Theology & Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame
Keynote Address by H.E. Cardinal Peter Turkson Chancellor, Pontifical Academy of Sciences & Social Sciences, Vatican City
In a compelling keynote on “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor,” Cardinal Peter Turkson explored the 7 Cs of Laudato Si’:
1. Continuity – Rooted in teachings of Popes before Francis, from Pope Leo XIII to Vatican II
2. Collegiality – Integrating voices of bishops and the faithful across the globe
3. Conservation – Fostering dialogue on protecting our common home
4. Care – Stewardship over creation, countering the spirit of dominion
5. Convention – Changing behavior and lifestyle toward an ecological conversion
6. Citizenship – Ecological justice rooted in hearing the cry of the poor
7. Contemplation – Seeing God in creation and rethinking our relationship with the Earth
He reminded us that the Eucharist itself connects us to creation—offering thanks through the fruits of the earth and the labor of human hands.
As youth and faith communities across Africa reflect on these insights, we are called to deepen our ecological spirituality, take bolder action, and walk in solidarity with the most vulnerable.
