ELSiA’s participation at the Raising Hope Conference renewed the call for ecological conversion and faith-based climate action.
The European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) — of which the Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM) is a founding member — joined faith leaders, civil society, and Church representatives from around the world at the Raising Hope Conference, a landmark gathering celebrating the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’ and reaffirming the Church’s mission to care for our common home.
This article draws from a story originally published on the ELSiA website and highlights how the alliance continues to amplify the Laudato Si’ voice in Europe.
From 1 to 3 October 2025, more than a thousand participants from over 80 countries met in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, to reflect on a decade of Laudato Si’ and renew their shared commitment to ecological conversion. Among them were Pope Leo, global policymakers, and Church and civil society leaders engaged in the journey toward ecological and social justice.
ELSiA brought a strong European perspective to this global conversation, co-hosting the session “Europe’s Ecological Journey: Taking Stock and Advancing Laudato Si’,” facilitated by Laura Morosini, representing the Laudato Si’ Movement.
The panel featured Cardinal Nemet (CCEE), Maria Nyman (Caritas Europa), Filipe Martins SJ (JESC), Maria Hammershøy (Justice and Peace Europe), and Dr. Roland Daw (University of St. Mary, UK), exploring how Laudato Si’ has inspired change across Europe and how faith communities can continue advancing ecological conversion amid today’s environmental and social challenges.
“The Raising Hope event has deeply moved me. Pope Leo’s call for a return to the heart, where true ecological conversion begins, resonates with me, reminding us of the profound connection between faith, care for creation, social justice, and freedom.”
— Maria Nyman, Director of Caritas Europa
Beyond panels and plenaries, the event was a space of encounter, communion, and hope: a reminder that ecological conversion grows stronger in community.
“Hope is hard to raise on your own, but when you’re in community, when you’re with others, you can actually transmit that courage and faith to each other.”
— Josianne Gauthier, Secretary General of CIDSE
“Pope Leo’s question — ‘What will be our answer?’ — has stayed with me since the conference and remains a source of commitment, even when things seem to advance too slowly.
— Filipe Martins SJ, Director of Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC)
For Pax Christi International, the newest member of ELSiA, the conference was also an opportunity to share how nonviolence and peacebuilding can strengthen the defense of life and creation.
“The conversations showed deep interest in active nonviolence to protect those who guard Creation from extractive violence and to build bridges of life.”
— Nicolás Paz, Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, Pax Christi International
The conference concluded with a symbolic gesture of unity, the melting of the Greenland ice blessed by Pope Leo, whose water participants carried home as a sign of shared hope.
“This conference reminded us that we are not alone in this mission. The energy, the dialogue, and the faith shared here give us strength to continue working for integral ecology across Europe.”
— Sara Sechi, Don Bosco International
Through its active role in ELSiA, the Laudato Si’ Movement continues to strengthen its European presence, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and joint advocacy that bring Laudato Si’ to life in communities across the continent.
About ELSiA
The European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) unites Catholic organizations committed to promoting integral ecology across Europe. Its members include the Laudato Si’ Movement, Caritas Europa, CIDSE, Don Bosco International, JESC, Justice and Peace Europe, and Pax Christi International, COMECE.