Pope Leo XIV sends a message to the 17th International Forum for Information for the Safeguard of Nature, promoted by GreenAccord, and encourages participants to work together to care for creation “through sustainable development research projects.”
Vatican News To mark the 17th International Forum for Information for the Safeguard of Nature, promoted by GreenAccord, on March 18 in Treviso, Italy, Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the Bishop of Treviso, Michele Tomasi. In the note signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope shared his greetings and expressed “his deep appreciation to all the participants.” Under this year’s theme, “Building the Future Together: A New Humanity Thirsting for the Future,” people from more than 40 countries came to the northeastern Italian city to discuss ecology and people’s responsibility to protect the common home. In his message, the Holy Father encouraged ongoing efforts of solidarity and awareness of the care of creation “through sustainable development research projects.” “Ecological responsibility is not fulfilled by technical data alone," recalled the Pope. "Such data are necessary, but not sufficient. What is needed is an education that engages the mind, the heart, and the hands; new habits, communal lifestyles, and virtuous practices.” He expressed his hope that if people work together to address today’s crises, “a respectful and inclusive social environment, ensuring a better future for the new generations," can be cultivated. Cardinal Parolin: Crossing the threshold to care for Creation At the meeting in Treviso, Cardinal Beniamino Stella also read a message on behalf of the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, marking the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. “If building the future together is truly our shared goal,” Cardinal Parolin writes, “it first requires us to ‘cross a threshold’ and ‘enter a new home’. Without this, care for creation risks swinging between ideology and technocracy, between emotional enthusiasm and cold procedure, between inspiring rhetoric and soulless management.” He stresses that the anniversary is not simply to be remembered, but a chance to rediscover a logos capable of generating inclusion and communion. “The Canticle does not simply express a feeling for nature,” he writes. “It offers words that shape a spiritual and intellectual outlook - one that frees the human person from the temptation to dominate and exploit, and instead places us within a lasting vocation to care.” Calling “brother” and “sister” what we do not own, he adds, is a profound act of care, recognising reality as relationship and creation as gift. Among the themes addressed is artificial intelligence, seen as a test of human maturity. He points to an “integral intelligence”: “not a correction we scramble to apply afterwards,” he explains, “but a guiding vision that shapes decisions from the outset - design choices, governance models, transparency, traceability, and real accountability for those who control tools and data.” “Working together,” he says, “is not a form of paternalism by those who have enough: it is a recognition of our interdependence - where no one is saved alone.” The Canticle reminds us that peace with the earth and peace among people are inseparable. “Where creation is wounded, society fractures; where human dignity is trampled, nature becomes something to exploit; where relationships break down, technology becomes a force that divides.” “If the passing of the Saint of Assisi reminds us that life reaches its fulfilment when it is given,” Cardinal Parolin concludes, “and if the Canticle teaches us to see the world as fraternity rather than possession or prey, then building the future together cannot be reduced to a task or a strategy. It must become a way of living.”