A green breath born from faith and ecological praxis

Next Friday, September 5, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will officially inaugurate Borgo Laudato Si’, together with the Laudato Si’ Advanced Formation Center, an ambitious project located in Castel Gandolfo, the former summer residence of the popes. This 55-hectare space integrates spirituality, integral ecology, academic training, and social inclusion, inspired by Pope Francis’ famous encyclical Laudato Si’.

This complex is positioned as a living laboratory of sustainability and spirituality, with areas dedicated to historic gardens, biodynamic vineyards, agricultural production, archaeological remains, and an educational center designed for diverse audiences: children, young people, vulnerable people, business leaders, and university students—all invited to experience and deepen their understanding of the Church’s social doctrine.

The vision that becomes reality

The project was born during the pontificate of Pope Francis, who promoted the idea as an embodiment of his ecological encyclical: “teaching with actions and deeds,” as Cardinal Fabio Baggio, undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, put it. Despite Francis’s death, Leo XIV continued the project, authorizing the continuation of the work and adopting it as his own.

Sustainable ecosystems and transformative education

The Borgo presents itself as a tangible model of circular economy and integral ecology. It features monumental gardens that preserve Roman-era remains, such as the cryptoportico of Emperor Domitian. The farmland implements biodynamic and agrivoltaic practices, optimizing resources: 1,200 m³ of the 1,500 m³ of water required annually are reused.

In addition, there is a photovoltaic mountain range that complements its agricultural production with clean energy, and they operate advanced, efficient irrigation systems.

Inclusive and future-oriented training

Between 2,000 and 3,000 students from around the world are expected   to participate annually in the center’s training programs, from primary to postgraduate levels, including people with disabilities. Courses will also be offered to refugees, migrants, women victims of violence, and former prisoners, among others, promoting a truly inclusive culture.

Business leaders and international leaders are invited to reflect on an economy centered on the dignity of workers and care for the Earth; among those attending the opening is former Unilever CEO Paul Polman, a leading figure in sustainability.

A center open to all

The Borgo opens where it was once closed: a space that did not receive visitors for more than 400 years, and now stands as a meeting place between faith, science, culture and nature.

The inauguration will include a liturgy and symbolic acts. According to reports, the famous tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo will participate in the opening ceremony before the ceremony,   singing a religious hymn.

Borgo Laudato Si’  presents itself as a new green, spiritual, and educational lung for the world. Inspired by an encyclical that celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and endorsed by two pontiffs, it represents a generative model of faith embodied in concrete actions: formation, inclusion, ecology, and beauty. Opening this Friday, September 5, it invites all humanity—whether of faith or not—to reconnect with God and creation.