“Seeds of Peace and Hope” – Pope Leo XIV Invites the Faithful to Renew Their Commitment to Creation
The Catholic Church will mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on Monday, 1 September 2025, an occasion inaugurated ten years ago by Pope Francis and closely linked to the publication of his landmark encyclical Laudato Si’. This year’s celebration carries the theme “Seeds of Peace and Hope”, a reflection offered by Pope Leo XIV in a powerful message addressed to Catholics and all people of goodwill.
In his message, Pope Leo draws deeply on biblical imagery and the legacy of Laudato Si’, calling all the faithful to become “seeds of peace and hope” amid the ecological and social crises facing the world. As the Church journeys through the wider Season of Creation—an ecumenical initiative running from 1 September to 4 October—Pope Leo encourages prayer, personal conversion, and decisive action in care for our common home.
Reflecting on the words of Jesus and the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Father emphasises how seeds—though buried—hold the promise of new life, even in desolate places. “In Christ, we too are seeds,” he writes, “and indeed, seeds of peace and hope.”
The Pope highlights the tragic consequences of environmental degradation, rooted in injustice, inequality, and greed. He points to the disproportionate suffering of the poor and indigenous communities, the commodification of nature, and the growing number of armed conflicts over vital resources. These, he notes, are not just environmental issues, but moral and spiritual wounds that call for healing.
“In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer,” he affirms, “care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity.”
A key focus of this year’s message is the call to concrete action. “Now is the time to follow words with deeds,” writes Pope Leo, reminding the Church that care for the environment is not a secondary or optional concern, but integral to Christian discipleship.
As a sign of hope, the Pope points to the Borgo Laudato Si’ project in Castel Gandolfo, a new initiative inspired by Pope Francis’s vision of integral ecology, where education, community life, and ecological stewardship come together as a living testimony to the Gospel.
Pope Leo concludes by praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that the seeds sown in love and perseverance will bear fruit in peace, justice, and renewal.
The faithful are invited to join in prayer, reflection, and action on 1 September and throughout the Season of Creation, inspired by the Church’s ongoing commitment to the care of God’s creation and to the flourishing of every person.
On the 10th anniversary of the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Leo XIV has approved for use the Decree for the Missa pro custodia creationis – ‘Mass for the Care of Creation’.
A powerful film by The Laudato Si Movement. The film, and accompanying resources for a screening can be found here.
This resource offers guidance for understanding and preparing for the season, featuring prayer ideas—including an ecumenical service—and suggestions for engaging with and reflecting on this year’s theme.
