Concept and Objectives of the Borgo Laudato Si'

Conceived as part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Borgo Laudato Si' is a space “strongly desired by Pope Francis”, integrated into the jubilee experiences of 2025. Its main objective is to serve as a centre for education in integral ecology, open to all who wish to deepen their relationship with Creation. In other words, the project seeks to demonstrate in practice that the principles of the Laudato Si' encyclical – care for our common home and the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues – can become a reality in daily life.

Located on a 55-hectare area of the gardens and farms of Castel Gandolfo, the Borgo offers a richly biodiverse environment (with more than 3,000 plants from 300 species), providing visitors with an immersive experience in natural beauty. In this privileged setting, Pope Francis aims to “make applicable the principles illustrated in the encyclical that gives the project its name,” following three main lines of action: education for integral ecology, circular and generative economy, and environmental sustainability. In summary, the Borgo Laudato Si' was created to integrate environmental conservation, social inclusion, and spirituality, serving as a living model of integral ecology in action.

Training Offered and Promotion of Integral Ecology

One of the central aspects of the Borgo Laudato Si' is the wide range of educational activities it offers, all aimed at promoting integral ecology in practice. The initiatives target different audiences and approaches, including:

Ecological and Catechetical Visits

The Gardens of Castel Gandolfo are open to the general public with guided tours that combine centuries of history, natural beauty, and spiritual reflections. This “immersive journey of Laudato Si'” allows pilgrims and visitors to learn the principles of the encyclical by seeing them implemented on site, acquiring an awareness that fosters a “true ecological conversion.”

Professional Training for Vulnerable Groups

The Borgo offers professional training courses in areas such as green space maintenance, pruning, gardening, and arboriculture, specifically aimed at vulnerable individuals – migrants, refugees, unemployed young people, women survivors of violence, people with disabilities, and former prisoners, among others. These courses include job placement support and personalised guidance during the first year of employment.

Environmental Education for Young People and Children

To engage younger generations, the Borgo organises educational activities tailored to different age groups. Primary and secondary school students can participate in guided tours of the gardens with educational moments and practical workshops on caring for nature. For university students, summer schools, in-depth courses, and study days dedicated to Laudato Si' themes are planned, often in partnership with universities.

Engagement with the Business Sector

Recognising that sustainability also requires efforts in the workplace, the Borgo promotes seminars, retreats, and courses for business leaders and professionals interested in applying the principles of Laudato Si' within their organisations. By offering training in integral ecology to the corporate sector, the project encourages ethical and sustainable business management aligned with the values proposed by Pope Francis.

All these training areas converge towards the same purpose: to promote integral ecology – an approach that integrates environmental care with human dignity, social justice, and spiritual values. From technical training to ecological catechesis, the Borgo Laudato Si' functions as an educational laboratory where participants live what they learn, enabling them to replicate sustainable and supportive practices in their home communities.

Connection to the Jubilee of 2025 and the Context of the Laudato Si' Encyclical

The year 2025 holds special significance for the Church – it is a Holy Jubilee Year, a time of pilgrimage, renewal of faith, and reconciliation. In this Jubilee, the dimension of caring for creation has gained particular prominence. Not coincidentally, 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Laudato Si' encyclical (published in 2015) and also the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of Brother Sun by St Francis of Assisi. These historical milestones reinforce the message that reconciliation with God, as proposed by the Jubilee, is intrinsically linked to reconciliation with creation.

For this reason, the Borgo Laudato Si' has been incorporated into the Jubilee of 2025 celebrations as one of the recommended stops for pilgrims visiting Rome. Faithful pilgrims are encouraged to visit the Borgo as part of their spiritual journey, combining prayer and reflection with a concrete experience of environmental care.

Expected Impact on the Community and Sustainable Initiatives

The expectation surrounding the Borgo Laudato Si' is that its effects will extend far beyond the boundaries of Castel Gandolfo, radiating positive social and environmental impacts. On the community and social front, the project is already showing encouraging results: participants from marginalised groups who have undergone training at the Borgo have successfully entered the job market, gaining the means for a dignified livelihood.

Another significant impact is the ecological awareness raised among a broad audience, from children to young professionals. Educational activities with students plant seeds of environmental consciousness in new generations, potentially influencing family habits and future professional projects.

From an environmental and sustainable initiatives perspective, the Borgo Laudato Si' serves as a showcase for best ecological practices. The project is committed to becoming self-sustainable in terms of energy and resources, adopting concrete measures: installing solar panels for clean energy generation, using rainwater harvesting systems, converting all internal vehicles to electric transport, and eliminating plastic on-site. The goal is to operate with zero waste, aligning with the concept of a circular economy and drastically reducing the property's ecological footprint.

Relevance of the Project for the Church and Global Society

The Borgo Laudato Si' holds a prominent position both in the Church’s mission and in the global dialogue on sustainability. For the Catholic Church, this project represents a concrete step in implementing Pope Francis's call for an “ecological conversion” within the faith community.

By fully integrating into the Jubilee of 2025, the project highlights the relevance of integral ecology at the heart of contemporary Christian spirituality. Traditionally, a Holy Year focuses on themes of forgiveness, charity, and spiritual renewal; now, with the Borgo Laudato Si', it becomes evident that reconciliation with God also involves reconciliation with nature.

In summary, the Jubilee Borgo Laudato Si' stands out as an emblematic initiative that unites faith and action in favour of sustainability. By shaping consciences and leadership in integral ecology, connected to a significant event like the Jubilee of 2025, the Borgo projects a lasting impact on both the Church and the world.

Its potential legacy goes beyond the courses and gardens of Castel Gandolfo – it lies in inspiring a new lifestyle, both in business and community contexts, guided by respect for creation and universal fraternity. Ultimately, the Borgo Laudato Si' reminds us that celebrating a Jubilee is not only about remembering the past but also about preparing a hopeful future – and there is nothing more hopeful today than witnessing different sectors of society coming together to care, with love and competence, for our common home.