The University of Notre Dame and the Laudato Si’ Center launched the Global Alliance initiative in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, to promote integral ecology. The launch event, held March 9–10 at the Borgo Laudato Si’, focused on discussions regarding integral ecology, climate change, and ecological leadership. Cardinal Fabio Baggio noted the Alliance stems from over 400 universities deepening their studies on Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'. Participants committed to increasing research and spreading awareness about ecological conversion based on Laudato Si’ principles. The Borgo Laudato Si’ complex, established last year, is dedicated to Pope Francis’ teachings on caring for creation.
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The University of Notre Dame and the Laudato Si’ Center of Higher Education launched the Global Alliance initiative on March 9–10, 2026, at Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.1 2
Academics and representatives from various universities gathered to promote integral ecology through environmental collaboration.1 2
Discussions focused on integral ecology, climate change, and ecological leadership, as reported by Vatican News.1 2
Borgo Laudato Si’ is an ecological village within the Pontifical Villa Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV on September 5, 2025.1 2
The site includes a circular greenhouse, centuries-old trees, and agricultural land, dedicated to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ on caring for creation.1 2
Cardinal Fabio Baggio, general director of the Laudato Si’ Center and undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, described the alliance as a response to over 400 universities studying Laudato Si’ teachings.1 2
He noted participants will commit to more research and raising awareness on ecological conversion.1 2
Sister Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the same Dicastery, expressed excitement over global participants sharing ideas and good practices aligned with Laudato Si’ principles.1 2
The Global Alliance aims to foster university collaborations for advancing Laudato Si’ studies and ecological leadership.1 2
It builds on growing academic interest in integral ecology, positioning the initiative as a key output for research and dissemination.1 2
Promote integral ecology through university–Vatican collaboration
Integral ecology, as articulated in Pope Francis's Laudato Si', calls for a comprehensive approach to the global crisis, integrating environmental, economic, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions to foster human flourishing within creation. It recognizes that environmental degradation and social injustices are interconnected, demanding strategies that respect creation as a divine gift rather than a mere resource. Promoting this vision through university-Vatican collaboration aligns with the Church's mission to educate for ecological conversion and solidarity.
Integral ecology builds on the principle of integral human development, first emphasized by Paul VI in Populorum Progressio and developed through subsequent social encyclicals like Sollicitudo Rei Socialis and Caritas in Veritate. This framework insists on development that encompasses the whole person—economic, social, cultural, and spiritual—now extended to include the environment as creation.
"Since everything is closely interrelated, and today's problems call for a vision capable of taking into account every aspect of the global crisis, I suggest that we now consider some elements of an integral ecology, one which clearly respects its human and social dimensions."
The natural moral law underpins this, viewing creation as ordered toward God, with humans called to stewardship through virtues like sobriety—moderation in consumption that replaces greed with generosity. Scholarly analyses frame it as "Green Thomism," affirming nature's teleological order where "each creature has its own purpose" in God's plan. Recent magisterial teachings, such as those from bishops' conferences, link it to climate justice and care for the poor.
The Vatican actively promotes integral ecology through educational institutions under its auspices. In his address at the Pontifical Lateran University's inauguration (14 November 2025), Pope Leo XIV highlighted the need to strengthen programs in Ecology and Environment:
"The study programmes in Peace Studies and Ecology and Environment deserve a special mention... I therefore ask my University to continue to develop and strengthen these two study programmes at the inter- and trans-disciplinary levels and, if necessary, to integrate them with other courses."
This directive positions Vatican universities as hubs for forming "peacemakers and agents of justice" who advance integral ecology nationally and internationally. Similarly, Pope Leo XIV's 2025 General Audience connected Easter spirituality to integral ecology, urging a resurrection-centered approach to contemporary challenges like environmental crises. These initiatives echo Laudato Si''s call for ecological education and spirituality.
Universities, particularly Catholic ones, are ideal partners due to their capacity for interdisciplinary research and formation. Integral ecology requires transcending silos—combining theology, sciences, economics, and social ethics—to address the "one complex crisis" of poverty and environmental harm. Secular and Catholic universities can collaborate on:
Scholarly works emphasize "habits of presence," where beings relate generously within the household (oikos) of creation, demanding educational habits that recognize giftedness in all things.
| Aspect of Collaboration | Vatican Contribution | University Contribution | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Development | Magisterial guidance (e.g., Laudato Si', papal addresses) | Interdisciplinary programs in ecology, peace studies | Formation in integral human development |
| Research Projects | Theological framing of natural law | Empirical data on climate, social impacts | Policies for justice and sustainability |
| Global Outreach | International networks (e.g., bishops' conferences) | Academic partnerships worldwide | Promotion of sobriety and solidarity virtues |
Practical promotion can occur through:
Challenges include avoiding reductionist views (e.g., divinizing nature or prioritizing economics), ensuring fidelity to the natural moral law.
University-Vatican collaboration offers a powerful means to promote integral ecology, fulfilling the Church's call for education in sobriety and care for our common home. By integrating magisterial teachings with academic rigor, such partnerships can foster virtues essential for human and environmental flourishing. This approach not only addresses crises but witnesses to Christ's recapitulation of all things.