This October, the quiet papal residence at Castel Gandolfo will become the stage for an extraordinary global gathering on creation care. For three days, Church leaders, policymakers, scientists, and cultural figures will join Pope Leo XIV for the “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” conference, seeking new ways to respond to what the Vatican calls the pressing “climate and ecological crisis.”
The meeting comes at a symbolic moment: the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the Paris Agreement on climate, and the approach of the 2025 Jubilee. According to Catholic News Agency, the event is designed to weave together voices from faith, politics, and civil society, highlighting both what has been achieved and what still must be done.
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Among those attending is American actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who will share the stage with Pope Leo XIV and Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva. This marks Schwarzenegger’s second papal encounter, after greeting Pope Francis in 2017 (Catholic News Agency).
The opening day will feature reflections from Lorna Gold, director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, and Margaret Karram, president of the Focolare Movement. Cardinal Jaime Spengler, archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of CELAM, will deliver a keynote titled “A Reason for Hope.”
Organizers emphasize that the conference is not only about dialogue but also action. They say it aims “to celebrate the fruits of Laudato Si’ and the climate action of faith communities over the past decade” and “to mobilize concrete commitments from religious, political, and social leaders toward climate justice” (Catholic News Agency).
Workshops and panels will explore practical strategies for carrying out the encyclical’s vision, while moments of prayer and cultural exchange will highlight the spiritual foundation of the movement.
For Pope Leo XIV, the gathering reflects the Church’s ongoing mission to unite faith with care for creation. The Vatican Press Office has stressed that the three days are meant to inspire hope in the midst of crisis, and to strengthen collaboration “between the Church, civil society, and policymakers” (Catholic News Agency).
In Castel Gandolfo, participants will be reminded that ecological conversion is not just a policy goal but a spiritual call. As the Church looks ahead to the Jubilee of 2025, this conference stands as a sign of hope that Catholics can help lead the way toward healing both the earth and the human family.
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