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On Wednesday afternoon, 1st October, marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Leo XIV addressed participants in the Raising Hope Conference, organised by the Laudato Si’ Movement.

In his address, the Pope expressed gratitude for the legacy of Pope Francis’ encyclical, noting how its message has inspired schools, dioceses, academic programmes, and international dialogue.

“Its impact,” he said, “has extended to summits, interreligious initiatives, economic and business circles, as well as theological and bioethical studies.” Above all, he noted that the phrase “care for our common home” has become a standard phrase, used in academic work and public discourse across peoples and continents.

A conversion of heart
While recalling the achievements of the past decade, Pope Leo emphasised that the challenges identified in Laudato Si’ are “even more relevant today than they were ten years ago.” These challenges, he said, are not only political and social, but also spiritual, calling for what Pope Francis described as a “conversion of heart.”

The Pope explained that the heart “is where the deepest searching takes place, where one’s ultimate identity is found, and where decisions are forged. It is only by returning to the heart that a true ecological conversion can take place.” This transformation, he continued, means shifting “from collecting data to caring; from environmental discourse to lifestyles inspired by faith and love of God.”

All are one
Quoting Pope Francis’ description of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Holy Father reminded participants that ecological concern, justice for the poor, social commitment, and inner peace are inseparable.

Looking ahead to upcoming global summits, including COP30 and the UN’s 2026 Water Conference, the Pope urged leaders to heed the cries of “the Earth and the poor, families, indigenous peoples, involuntary migrants and believers throughout the world.”

What will be our answer?
Concluding his address, Pope Leo asked the question: “God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world that He created, and if we have taken care of our brothers and sisters. What will be our answer?”

By Francesca Merlo

Source: Vatican News

Watch the broadcast. Pope Leo's address commences at 52:00

At a time marked by conflicts, the Pope recalls that religions must be “bridges and prophecy,” and not “weapons or walls.”

His October prayer intention arrives as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Declaration from the Vatican II Council that transformed the Catholic Church’s relationships with other religions, opening the path to dialogue and collaboration. In a fractured world, the Pope encourages us to be “yeast of unity,” open to recognize that we are “brothers and sisters, called to live, pray, work, and dream together.”

• Post your prayer in our sacred space here

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources to address violence and discrimination..." (Chapter Statement)

"In Australia in 2025, just as Catholics were called in 1950, we are called to welcome, support, and embrace those who arrive from other lands. We must “regard it as a solemn duty to help in the placing and absorbing of immigrants into our community and in making them feel at home amongst us”.  As St Paul reminds us, we should “not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2)

Migrants have made an immeasurable contribution to our nation, shaping and enriching our society in profound ways. We are the beneficiaries of their diverse cultural traditions, stories, and deep wisdom, as well as the resilience and lived experiences they bring. Their presence has not only strengthened the fabric of our communities but has also deepened our understanding of what it means to be human. Through their contributions, Australia has become a more welcoming, vibrant, and flourishing society.

This timeless call to hospitality and generosity remains as vital today as it was seventy-five years ago. In Pope Leo’s words, this call today is for us to become a living witness to hope and to build a community that recognise migrants and refugees as brother and sister, part of a family which they can express their talents and participate fully in their new community life."

• Read the complete Statement here

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor..." (Chapter Statement)

As a result of the conflict, more than 60,000 lives have been lost, including more than 18,000 children, with the entire population of Gaza now in the grip of a starvation crisis. 

In response, Caritas Australia is urging supporters to sign a petition to amplify the call for increased aid access and a ceasefire.

“The people of Gaza cannot eat less than they already are,” said Caritas Australia’s chief executive, Kirsten Sayers. 

“Every signature helps protect innocent lives and ensure vital aid reaches those who need it most.”

The petition, which can also be printed with signatory sheets, will be delivered to the Australian Foreign Minister’s office on September 1. It calls for:

• Safe, unhindered, and large-scale humanitarian operations;
• An immediate and unconditional permanent ceasefire;
• Protection of civilians and aid workers; and
• The release of all Israeli hostages and Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel.

To sign the pledge and explore all the ways to act, visit: https://www.caritas.org.au/act/gaza

• Read the media release in full here