Laudato Voices | Laudato Youth Initiative Prepares for a Year of Grace | February 04, 2026
A historic and spiritual moment is unfolding as the Church marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death. From February 22 to March 22, 2026, the Lower Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi will welcome pilgrims from around the world to pray before the body of Saint Francis. For the very first time, his body will be displayed publicly, a powerful sign of his witness to the Gospel. This year marks a special jubilee year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV. An unprecedented number of believers will come to honor this beloved saint.
St. Francis: Patron of Ecology, Peace, and the Poor
Saint Francis of Assisi is widely recognized not only as a model of holiness but also as a patron saint of ecology, peace, and the poor. His deep reverence for all creation, calling creatures his “brothers and sisters,” reveals his vision: creation is not a resource to be dominated, but a gift from God to be cherished and protected.
He viewed creation as interconnected, expressive of God’s goodness, grounded in humility, respect, and love. Pope John Paul II named him patron of ecology, highlighting how his spirituality urges care for creation and people, especially the poor. Francis’s example inspired the title and spirit of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato si’, On Care for Our Common Home. This encyclical calls for an integral ecology linking environmental responsibility with social justice and human dignity. This holistic approach, caring for the earth and caring for people, stands at the heart of Catholic ecological teaching.
Laudato Youth Initiative: Faith and Climate Action United
The Laudato Youth Initiative brings together young people to live out Saint Francis’s call to care for creation and to promote faith-driven action on climate and justice. Inspired by Laudato Si’, the initiative calls youth to be stewards of creation and climate justice leaders.
Faith Meets Action: Through Laudato Si’ Clubs in schools, universities, parishes, and communities, young leaders engage in tree planting, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, community education, and advocacy. These actions translate Catholic teaching into tangible care for our common home.
Integral Ecology in Practice: Like Saint Francis’s holistic care, where creation, peace, and care for the poor are inseparable, Laudato Youth encourages environmental stewardship. This stewardship also addresses poverty, justice, and community resilience.
This initiative helps young people advocate for environmental protection and champion human rights. It urges concrete action for a better future, reflecting Franciscan values and ecological responsibility.
As pilgrims prepare to venerate the relics of Saint Francis, a powerful reminder of his life of poverty, humility, and love for all creation, the Laudato Youth Initiative invites young people and communities everywhere to embrace this legacy: Care for creation as a spiritual calling. Work for peace and ecological conversion. Serve the vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized, and the earth itself.
By doing so, we not only mark a year of grace. We also plant trees, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices as steps toward a future where faith and ecological action walk hand in hand.
