The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, opens the observance of the care for creation with the theme “Living Water”
On September 1, 2026, marking the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo XIV presided over Holy Mass in the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo (in the Our Lady of the *Borgo Laudato Si’* Garden) and released an official message. Leo XIV affirms that the principles of the Church’s Social Doctrine should guide the personal and social lives of the faithful and help enlighten their consciences.
The Pontiff published his message for the occasion, drawing inspiration from the prophet Isaiah (“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks”), and called for ecological conversion and peace. In his address, he stated:
“On Tuesday, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day marks the beginning of the Season of Creation—observed by Christians of various denominations—whose theme this year is ‘Living Water.’ As I recalled in the Message for this Day, caring for our common home requires a conversion of heart, so that what has been used to cause destruction may instead be directed toward life. I invite everyone to unite in prayer and action, so that we may become channels through which the living water of God’s peace flows, reinvigorating our wounded world. (Leo XIV)”
The date marked the beginning of a period extending to October 4 (the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi), featuring decentralized local programs in various dioceses and cities, such as Assisi. This initiative is an invitation to all governments and Christians worldwide—both Catholic and non-Catholic—continuing the call made by Pope Francis regarding the care of creation, as expressed in the documents *Laudato Si’* and *Laudate Deum*. Across the IMBISA region, Episcopal Conferences have scheduled various activities in response to this proposal from the Pope and are organizing events to put this appeal into practice—for the good of life on Earth and with special care for water.
Together in caring for our common home and for future generations!