PRESS RELEASE / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
April 16, 2026
CONTACT:
Annie Fox | 916.740.94725 | [email protected]
—Young Catholics, faith leaders, and elected officials unite for prayer, public witness, and advocacy—
SACRAMENTO, CA — More than 350 youth and adult leaders from across California are expected to gather at the State Capitol on April 20 for the Laudato Si’ Youth Advocacy Summit, a day of prayer, public witness, and advocacy rooted in the Catholic call to care for creation, immigrants and the unhoused.
The event, organized by the Laudato Si’ Movement California Chapter in collaboration with Jesuits West and other Catholic partners, is also part of the broader Season of Faithful Witness—a national movement by Catholics in Communion inviting communities to bring prayer into public life.
The day will include moments of prayer and a public gathering at the State Capitol focused on care for creation and human dignity, with participation from Bishop Michael Pham, Bishop Felipe Pulido, Sister Maria Elena Martinez, clergy, and faith leaders. Participants will then take part in a prayerful procession from the California State Capitol to the legislative O Street building.
The summit builds on the success of last year’s gathering, which was recognized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a model of youth leadership in advancing the message of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The letter can be found here.
Elected officials from both major political parties are confirmed to attend and speak, underscoring the broad, nonpartisan commitment to environmental stewardship and human dignity.
“This is a pilgrimage of hope in action—an opportunity for young people to pray deeply over what it means to be stewards of God’s mission for our planet and to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,” said Father Sean Carroll, SJ, Provincial of Jesuits West. “We can do amazing things when we come together in the Spirit.”
Youth participants say the summit offers a space to connect faith with action in response to today’s most urgent challenges.
“I have watched the planet become polluted, communities torn apart, and thousands left on the streets,” said Suvir, a junior at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. “Through the Laudato Si’ Youth Advocacy Summit, I am given the opportunity to advocate for reform concerning ecology, immigration, and housing so that future generations can enjoy a better world.”
His peer from Loyola High School agrees:
“I am participating in this summit because I have witnessed the suffering my brothers and sisters experience because of the color of their skin,” said Luis, a junior. “Especially in this moment, Catholic advocacy is very important because it is necessary to remember that every human being has a dignity that can never be violated.”
“I am participating in the summit in order to serve marginalized California communities through lobbying efforts that are directly in line with Catholic social teaching,” said Alexandra, an 11th-grade student at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco.
“I’m participating in the summit to grow as a student leader grounded in my faith,” said Angelyn, an 11th-grade student at St. Francis Catholic High School in Sacramento. “Catholic advocacy is how we live out compassion and justice in a divided world.”
Youth delegations from dioceses across California—including Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Diego—will participate, highlighting the statewide scope of the movement.
EVENT DETAILS
| WHO: | 350+ Catholic youth, clergy, bishops, and elected officials from across California |
| WHAT: | Laudato Si’ Youth Advocacy Summit |
| WHEN: | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
| MEDIA TIMING: | 8:00 AM –Bishops bless the encyclical to be delivered to legislators
8:30–9:00 AM – Group photos (by diocese and full group) 9:00–10:00 AM – Public event at State Capitol 10:00 AM – Youth-led procession to legislative offices |
| WHERE: | California State Capitol – World Peace Rose Garden 1317 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95814(Procession to Swing Annex Legislative Office Building, 1021 O St) |
###
ABOUT THE SEASON OF FAITHFUL WITNESS
The Season of Faithful Witness is a national initiative inviting Catholics to respond to a moment of profound moral and pastoral urgency through prayer, discernment, and peaceful public witness. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel call to uphold human dignity, the campaign brings together communities across the country to act in communion for the common good.
Learn more at www.catholicsincommunion.org
