On September 1, 2025, Christians across the world united to celebrate Creation Day, the annual commemoration of God’s creation. This day, also known as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, has become a cornerstone for faith-based ecological action, inspiring Christians alike to reflect on their responsibility toward the environment.
Speaking at the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that prayer for creation “is now more urgent and important than ever.” He highlighted that Pope Francis instituted this celebration for Catholics 10 years ago, extending the ecumenical tradition into the universal Church:
“Together with all Christians, we celebrate it and extend it into the Season of Creation until October 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. In the spirit of the Canticle of Brother Sun, composed 800 years ago, let us praise God and renew our commitment not to spoil His gift, but to care for our common home.”
This call emphasizes that peace with God, peace with neighbors, and peace with creation are inseparable—a harmony flowing from faith into concrete ecological action.
Together with all Christians, today we celebrate the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, opening the #SeasonOfCreation, which lasts until October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. In the spirit of the Canticle of Brother Sun, let us praise God and renew our…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) September 1, 2025
Global Ecumenical Prayer Service
The Global Ecumenical Online Prayer Service, held on September 1, gathered more than 500 participants from around the world. Centered on the theme “Peace with Creation,” the service offered prayers, scripture readings, reflections, and music, creating a moment of spiritual engagement, ecological awareness, and contemplation of God’s peace.
Faith leaders shared inspiring reflections:
- Rev. Dr. Hyunju Bae (Presbyterian Church of Korea):
“Let there be peace with God, for He is the one who guides our steps. In a world increasingly driven by fear, we are invited to encounter the peace of God. ‘Peace with Creation’ is also an invitation from the World Council of Churches to focus on concrete action and advocacy for the care of creation.” - Rev. Atahualpa Hernández Miranda (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia):
“Peace with creation needs people who rise above eco-anxiety and focus on climate justice action in resilience. Paul the Apostle reminds us that prayer and thanksgiving bring the peace of God, which guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar:
“Peace to God, peace with others, and peace with creation are therefore not three separate realities, but one and the same grace that the Spirit pours out.”
Intercessory prayers were led by Dr. Sanna Urvas (Pentecostal Church) and Rev. Rachel Mash (Green Anglicans), who shared:
“As the African proverb says – if you walk alone you can walk fast, but if you walk together you can go far. Let us walk together and work for peace with each other and with our common home.”
Faith in Action: Ecological Conversion and Catholic Communities
For the Laudato Si’ Movement, this celebration affirms the call to ecological conversion rooted in faith, showing that prayer, spiritual reflection, and concrete action are inseparable paths toward peace.
The recently promulgated Mass for the Care of Creation now enables Catholic communities to celebrate Creation Day liturgically, deepening the spiritual and sacramental dimensions of ecological care.
As we journey through the Season of Creation, Catholics and all Christians are invited to reflect, pray, and act, planting seeds of peace and hope in their communities, inspired by faith and united in care for our common home.
📺 Watch the prayer service here: Prayer Service for Creation Day – YouTube
💡 Looking for inspiration? Check out this blog for resources and activities to guide your participation in the Season of Creation.