DiCaprio, Schwarzenegger endorse Laudato Si film The Letter

In just three weeks, the Laudato Si Movement's YouTube Originals film The Letter has gone viral, getting more than eight million views.

Among those joining the wave of momentum, sharing the film on social media and elsewhere. are celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Arnold Schwarzenegger. High-profile activists as Vanessa Nakate and Bill McKibben, scientists, Church leaders and Laudato Si Movement members from all continents have joined.

Neil Thorns Director of Advocacy and Communications at CAFOD and soon to travel to COP27, said: "Action on the climate crisis needs a renewed burst of urgency and commitment from governments who've caused the climate crisis to make progress. This film is a timely reminder of why the task at COP27 in November is so critical. As we see the crisis in East Africa or the devastating floods in Pakistan, both caused by the climate crisis we all need to think how we take action and push others to do likewise."

In the film the people are accompanied on their journey by FaithInvest's Director of Movement Building, Dr Lorna Gold, who is also Chair of the Laudato Si' Movement. "By sharing how Laudato Si' has inspired so many people around the world, we want to bring a message of hope that we can come together to care for our common home," says Lorna.

'We also want to highlight the crucial role being played by faith communities across the world in taking action to address the climate crisis. As Pope Francis says in his opening lines in Laudato Si', 'I wish to address every person living on this planet', and that is very much the approach taken by the film. We all need to come together to save the planet.'

The 80-minute film is produced by YouTube Originals in partnership with the Laudato Si' Movement and Off the Fence (Oscar-winning producers of My Octopus Teacher).

People are invited to host screenings in their communities. You can register to host a screening and a how-to toolkit will be provided to help you.

* An invitation-only private launch event is taking place in London on Thursday 27 October. For more information contact: pippa.arnold@faithinvest.org

See the official trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3EBHebH17Y

Watch The Letter online here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rps9bs85BII