NEW YORK — The Archdiocese of New York and the Borgo Laudato Si’, located in the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on the grounds of the papal estate, are launching a digital partnership to amplify the vision of the 2026 Season of Creation. This global ecumenical observance is inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Established by Pope Francis through a 2023 chirograph and inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV in September 2025, Borgo Laudato Si’ is a project entrusted to Laudato Si’ Higher Education Center, the Vatican’s institution for integral ecology, bringing together faith, education, environmental sustainability, and care for creation.

The Season of Creation runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 4 and begins with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at Borgo Laudato Si’. This year’s theme, “Living Water,” is drawn from the Book of Ezekiel (47:9, 12), which describes water flowing from God’s sanctuary and bringing healing and renewal to the land.

Through this digital partnership, the two institutions will connect the work taking place at Borgo Laudato Si’ with the efforts of Catholic communities throughout New York, sharing content across their platforms to amplify the message of the Season of Creation to a wider audience and showcase the shared commitment inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical.

A shared commitment to environmental stewardship

Borgo Laudato Si’ puts the vision of Laudato Si’ into practice through its gardens, educational programs, sustainable initiatives, and work promoting integral ecology. The Archdiocese of New York shares that commitment, living out the encyclical’s vision across New York, from parishes and schools to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where a geothermal system helps heat and cool the building while reducing its environmental impact.

Pope Leo XIV has continued to support Borgo Laudato Si’ as an important expression of Pope Francis’ legacy and his call for an integral ecology that recognizes the connection between care for creation, human dignity, and the common good.

The Season of Creation concludes Oct. 4 with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, during the 800th anniversary year of his death.