Global, multilingual program inspires a new generation of faith-driven leaders for ecological action
In Nampula, Mozambique, over 20 participants gathered in person to begin the 2026 Animators Course—overcoming challenges with creativity and communion
The Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM) has officially launched its 2026 Laudato Si’ Animators Training, welcoming more than 6,000 participants in its first week across Spanish, English, French, Italian and Portuguese. This milestone reflects a growing global commitment to ecological conversion and faith-based action in response to today’s environmental and social challenges.
The program responds to the urgent call of Pope Leo XIV to strengthen ecological education and inspire new paths to safeguard creation. In a recent message to young people, the Holy Father emphasized that addressing pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, inequality, and limited access to clean water and energy requires not only knowledge, but a profound transformation of hearts and lifestyles.
The Laudato Si’ Animators Training equips Catholics and people of goodwill with the tools to become leaders in their communities, integrating spirituality, scientific understanding, and practical action. Through weekly sessions, prayer, and collaborative learning, participants explore the Church’s teachings on integral ecology while developing initiatives that respond to local environmental realities.
Early sessions have already sparked deep reflection and global connection among participants:
“We had a good conversation around the misallocation of resources both within countries and globally. One of our participants was actually returning from a trip planting trees, which was very inspirational!”
— Melissa Hylands
“Just seeing the faces and hearing voices from around the world is spiritually moving! God bless you all.”
— Paul Hoff
“The session gave us hope in terms of what can be done—the real and the concrete—in the midst of a sense of despair and helplessness.”
— David Silva
These testimonies reflect the spirit of the training: a space where faith meets action, and where global solidarity becomes tangible.
Since its launch in 2016, the Laudato Si’ Animators Training has become one of the most recognized faith-based environmental leadership programs worldwide. To date, more than 20,000 people have been certified, active in more than 150 countries. These leaders support parishes, schools, dioceses, and communities in advancing initiatives such as Laudato Si’ Circles, ecological ministries, educational programs, and grassroots climate action.
A central component of the training is the development of a local action project. Participants who complete the program and present their initiative receive official certification as Laudato Si’ Animators, joining a dynamic global network committed to caring for our common home.
At a time of deep ecological, social, and spiritual challenges, the 2026 training offers a message of hope: change is possible when communities come together, grounded in faith and committed to action.
For more information go to
laudatosianimators.org
About the Laudato Si’ Movement
The Laudato Si’ Movement is a global Catholic organization that inspires and mobilizes the Church to care for our common home. Present in more than 180 countries, LSM promotes ecological conversion through spirituality, advocacy, and local action inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.
Media Contact:
Susana Salguero
Communications Lead – Global Encounter
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://laudatosimovement.org/
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