(ANS – Rome) – On June 19, 2025, the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome, in collaboration with Partnerships for Change of San Francisco, hosted the international conference Laudato Si’: Legacy, Prospects, and Challenges. This event, organized to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ historic encyclical, brought together academic leaders, environmental experts, students, and representatives of international organizations to reflect on the encyclical’s impact, future prospects, and ongoing challenges related to the care of our common home.

Published on June 18, 2015, Laudato Si’ has been recognized as one of the most relevant texts of the 21st century. Dale Jamieson, of New York State University, called it “the most important environmental text of the century.” The encyclical not only inspired the 2015 Paris Agreement but also transformed the way the relationship between social justice, economic sustainability, and environmental protection is considered.

The Vision behind the Conference

Fr. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, a professor at the Pontifical Salesian University and the conference’s creator, was the driving force behind the event. Thanks to his vision and tireless commitment, the conference addressed fundamental questions about the concrete legacy of Laudato Si’, the perspectives it has opened in economics, politics, and theology, and the challenges that remain unresolved.

These themes guided the work of the conference, which took place as part of the Integrated Ecology Course, a joint initiative of the Pontifical Universities of Rome.

In his opening speech, Fr. Joshtrom highlighted how Laudato Si’ has transformed the world’s outlook on caring for our common home. He recalled that the encyclical profoundly influenced global reflection, introducing the concept of integrated ecology, and played a key role in facilitating the 2015 Paris Agreement. However, he also emphasized the urgency of the unresolved challenges, quoting Laudate Deum (2023): “Our responses have not been adequate, while the world may be nearing the breaking point.”

With these reflections, Fr. Joshtrom framed the conference as a crucial moment to explore Laudato Si’’s future prospects and promote concrete actions to address the environmental and social crisis of our time.

Opening Speeches and Shared Vision

The conference opened with addresses from two key figures:

• Fr. Andrea Bozzolo, Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University, highlighted how theology and science must work together to address the climate crisis, stressing the importance of an integrated approach.
• Jackie Miller, CEO of Partnerships for Change, offered a global perspective on the importance of cross-sector alliances to promote ecological and social projects. In addition to financial support, Miller shared a practical approach to tackling the complexities of the environmental crisis.

The Round Table: A high-level debate

At the heart of the event was a round table moderated by Sophia Sanniti, a researcher at the World Resources Institute. With a dynamic and interactive approach, Sophia led the debate among internationally renowned experts from various fields:

• Séverin Deneulin (Laudato Si’ Research Institute, University of Oxford): Emphasized the urgency of addressing “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor” as a single moral and practical priority.
• Fr. Francis O. Gustilo (Don Bosco School of Theology, Manila): Explored the theological significance of the Gospel of Creation, offering a spiritual perspective.
• Maria Virginia Solis Wahnish and Mateusz Ciasnocha (Economy of Francesco, Poland): Discussed the crucial role of a sustainable and inclusive economy in meeting climate challenges.
• Sr. Maamalaifar M. Poreku (JPIC Executive Secretary, Rome): Stressed the importance of educating for ecological citizenship, involving communities in change.
• Marie Dennis and Sr. Sheila Kinsey (Pax Christi International): Linked the concept of peace with the Creator to peace with creation, highlighting the importance of nonviolence.

Each speaker contributed unique perspectives, showing how Laudato Si’ has influenced key sectors, from theology to economics, politics to education.

An Open Legacy

Despite the achievements so far, the conference also highlighted the challenges that remain unresolved. As Pope Francis reminded in Laudate Deum (2023): “Our responses have not been adequate, while the world we live in is collapsing.” This call to awareness animated the discussions, encouraging participants to identify concrete actions and strategies to address current crises.

A Call to Action

Closing the proceedings was Professor Prem Xalxo SJ, coordinator of the Joint Diploma in Integrated Ecology at the Gregorian University, who called for greater collaboration between universities, organizations, and faith communities. He emphasized that Laudato Si’ is not just a doctrinal document but a global action program to safeguard the planet and ensure a sustainable future.

The Laudato Si’: Legacy, Prospects, and Challenges conference was not only a celebration of the encyclical’s tenth anniversary but also an urgent call to rethink our relationship with the planet and with other living beings. Ten years after its publication, the message of Laudato Si’ continues to inspire concrete actions and global dialogue on the future of our common home.