The Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a program of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has introduced a major update to its website, aiming to make ecological action more accessible and practical for Catholic institutions, communities, and individuals.
The update comes with new tools for tracking progress, high-impact actions to pursue integral ecology, and a certificate program recognizing institutional commitments to sustainability.
Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, Secretary for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, emphasized the importance of the platform’s role in uniting the Church’s environmental efforts:
“As we enter a new year in our collective journey as stewards of creation, the updated Laudato Si’ Action Platform website and its innovative certificate program for institutions are based on the Catholic Church’s commitment to care for our common home. This helpful tool will assist institutions to engage in dialogue, reflection, and concrete action, witnessing to the Church’s mission of unity and peace for all creation.”
Mons. Robert Vitillo, Senior Advisor for Research and Reflection at the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Focal Point for the Platform, echoed this, stating that, “integral ecology is an ongoing commitment. This tool helps keep people motivated and accountable.”
What’s Changing?
The updated website introduces a more intuitive dashboard, offering participants a straightforward way to access resources and track their sustainability journey. For those who feel overwhelmed by the vastness of ecological issues, the revamped platform highlights actionable steps that align with the work of integral ecology.
“One of the main challenges we’ve heard from our participants is that they need a clearer way to engage with the platform,” said Alonso de Llanes, Manager of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. “This redesign is our response—everything is streamlined so that users can find exactly what they need, when they need it.”
“The intention was to remove the guesswork,” de Llanes explained. “Now, participants can easily identify impactful actions that fit their context, whether it’s energy conservation, waste reduction, or community advocacy.”
One of the most notable additions is a more interactive action checklist, allowing institutions and individuals to monitor their commitments year after year. This feature is meant to keep sustainability efforts active and evolving.
Another key change is the introduction of the certificate program, which formally recognizes institutions actively engaged with the platform. The certification is renewable each year, reinforcing long-term commitment to ecological responsibility. “Publicly recognizing their participation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a way to celebrate institutions’ commitment to concrete action,” said Mons. Vitillo.
Why These Changes Matter
For the Laudato Si’ Movement, which works to mobilize Catholics worldwide for climate and ecological justice, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform provides a structured pathway towards total sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology.
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform functions as a kind of ecological roadmap, providing guidance while allowing flexibility in how participants engage with sustainability efforts. With the urgency of climate change and ecological degradation, such structured support can make a significant difference.
Looking Ahead
As these updates are rolled out, the focus remains on making meaningful action more accessible. Institutions, parishes, and families already engaged with the platform can now explore the new features, while those not yet enrolled may find this a compelling time to join.
Mons. Robert Vitillo summed it up: “This is a collective journey. The more people who take part, the greater our impact will be.”
For those interested in learning more about the updates or beginning their own sustainability journey, the LSAP website now offers simpler tools to take the first steps.
Enroll in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform today