Pope Leo XIV today presided over the Mass for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation at the 'Borgo Laudato Si', at the pontifical residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome. In his homily, the pontiff called for a pause in the agitation of daily activities, inviting the faithful to put all the noise of human works on "silent mode" to hear the melodious voice of creation, in which God speaks.
Leo XIV advocated an "authentic ecological conversion," in which the encounter with Jesus Christ transforms each person's relationship with the world. Citing the message he wrote for this day, the Pope stated that reflection on natural wonders awakens awareness of personal and collective responsibility in caring for original harmony.
The Pope noted that "Creation Time," an ecumenical and ecological initiative that mobilizes millions of Christians, challenges society to transform evil into life, redirecting what has been used for destruction to caring for the poor, feeding the hungry, and safeguarding creation.
The celebrations continue until October 4, the date marking the 8th centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. With the saint, the Pope wished to renew the commitment to living and promoting universal fraternity inseparably linked to the duty of caring for creation. The celebration followed the Mass formular for the Custody of Creation, developed by various departments of the Holy See.
