The Laudato Si Africa Conference 2025 will take place in Luweero District, Uganda, from July 22 to 25. The event will bring together Church leaders, conservationists, environmental scholars, and civil society organizations. Together, they will assess Africa’s progress in implementing Pope Francis’ landmark ecological encyclical.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, a prominent Vatican figure and Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences, will headline the conference. Notably, he played a key role in drafting the original Laudato Si document in 2015.
Meanwhile, Fr Emmanuel Katongole, a professor of Theology and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, will serve as lead organizer. According to Fr Katongole, the conference will be held at Bethany Land Institute, an ecological training and conservation center supported by the Kasana-Luweero Diocese.
“The Laudato Si Africa Conference 2025 is not only about celebrating ten years of action,” Fr Katongole noted. “Rather, it is about reviewing our efforts and charting a stronger path forward for our continent.”
Importantly, Laudato Si calls for a renewed commitment to the care of Earth as a shared home. It links environmental stewardship with spirituality, urging global citizens to confront pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.
Uganda has responded to this call in meaningful ways. For instance, the Catholic Church in Luweero revived Lazarus Forest, once heavily degraded due to human encroachment. In 2018, three priests, supported by the Diocese, launched restoration efforts.
As a result, by 2024, over 250 acres had been restored. Today, Lazarus Forest shelters more than 160 migratory bird species and 80 native tree types. This project stands as a model of grassroots environmental recovery inspired by papal guidance.
Throughout the four-day event, participants will tour local conservation initiatives and reflect on best practices. Additionally, they will explore how to strengthen partnerships between science, faith, and communities for climate resilience.
Moreover, Bethany Land Institute will showcase how education and spirituality can empower youth to lead environmental transformation. The site blends theology, agroecology, and sustainability into practical learning models.
Clearly, the Laudato Si Africa Conference 2025 arrives at a critical moment. With Africa’s ecosystems under pressure, regional leadership is vital. The conference encourages African voices to shape global environmental discourse, not just follow it.
Cardinal Turkson’s presence adds weight to this effort. As one of the chief architects of Laudato Si, his insights will help bridge faith and action. He is expected to highlight how integral ecology is to both human dignity and justice.
Undoubtedly, Pope Francis’ vision has inspired countless initiatives worldwide. Nevertheless, much work remains. Deforestation, pollution, and climate-related displacement continue to challenge communities across Africa.
Therefore, the conference will emphasize collective responsibility and practical solutions. It will also invite governments, churches, and individuals to align development goals with sustainability principles.
Ten years after Laudato Si, the world still faces an ecological crisis. However, gatherings like this provide a space for hope, learning, and united action.
As Uganda hosts the continent, it also signals a deeper commitment to ecological justice. Ultimately, the Laudato Si Africa Conference 2025 offers a powerful reminder that care for creation must remain central to both faith and policy.
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