LAUDATO SI' WEEK 2023

Laudato Si' Week 2023 marks the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on care for creation. Laudato Si' was first published 24 May 2015.

People around the world are being invited to celebrate Laudato Si' Week 2023 from 21-28 May with the theme: Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity.

Communities are invited to base their celebrations around the 2022 film 'The Letter' which tells the story of a journey to Rome of five frontline leaders - Arouna, Ridhima, Chief Dadá, Greg and Robin, respectively representing the poor, the youth of the world, the indigenous peoples and earth scientists - to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si' with Pope Francis.

This global celebration will unite Catholics to rejoice in the progress we have made in bringing Laudato Si' to life, and show how the protagonists of "The Letter" are already doing so. The film can be watched for free online.

Visit the Laudato Si' Week website for the link to watch The Letter: https://laudatosiweek.org/

During the Regina Coeli on Sunday, Pope Francis thanked everyone preparing events and activities to mark Laudato Si Week. He said: "I invite everyone to work together for the care of our common home... There is so much need to bring together expertise and creativity."

The Pope also recalled recent natural disasters linked to climate change, including recent flooding in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, and emphasized once again his closeness to the people affected by the rains.

He then mentioned the Laudato Sí booklets prepared by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in collaboration with the Stockholm Environmental Institute, which were distributed to those present on Sunday in St Peter's Square.

LAUDATO SI' WEEK IN SOUTH SUDAN

Another idea for Laudato Si' Week is to follow the Solidarity with South Sudan programme.

Every day Solidarity with South Sudan will publish news and stories from the South Sudan, the world's newest country, to show you how their projects and communities meet the Laudato Sì Goals.

You can visit their website: https://solidarityssudan.org/ and social media from 21 May to 28 May to remain updated on the Solidarity mission in South Sudan.

Check ICN News and Listings for information about more Laudato Si Week events near you over the next few days.