At a time when the Catholic Church places integral ecology at the heart of its commitment, diocesan referents praise the decisive role of Pope Francis. Carried by the encyclical Laudato Si' published in 2015, his pontificate has brought about a global vision linking protection of the planet, social justice, and spirituality. This chapter expresses a collective gratitude for this impetus, which invites believers and society to rethink deeply their relationship with Creation and all living beings.

Yes, praise be to you Lord, for having given Pope Francis as a pastor to your Church! We, diocesan referents in Integral Ecology, express our gratitude for the path traveled during his pontificate. He has guided us to hear the cry of the earth and the poor and to respond by understanding how "everything is interconnected," in the issues and challenges our time faces.

Since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has progressively emphasized human responsibility towards Creation. The encyclical letter of Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ published in 2015, initiated a new dynamic that radiates beyond the universal Church, to take care of our common home and all its inhabitants. As recently reminded by Mgr. de Moulins-Beaufort, Integral Ecology "is not primarily or solely a matter of environment, preservation of nature. The time has come for humanity to rethink its relationship with all beings, and this means for each of us: our relationship with ourselves, with other humans, with non-human beings, with technology as well, and even more with God." Today, Pope Francis has entered into the rest and peace of the Lord. We have a new intercessor with the Father to make heard in the heart of God the cry of the poor, of the earth, and of his Church.

In the uncertain times that are ours, in this jubilee year that invites us to hope, we entrust to his intercession the continuation of the path on which he has engaged us. May we, with the whole Church and all people of good will, continue to respond boldly to his prophetic call, in the service of the Lord of life.

God who calls us to generous commitment, and to give everything, offers us the strength and the light we need to move forward. In the heart of this world, the Lord of life who loves us so much, continues to be present. He does not abandon us, He does not leave us alone, because He has definitively united with our earth, and His love always leads us to find new paths. Praise be to Him (Laudato Si’. n° 245). The national network of diocesan referents in Integral Ecology on April 25, 2025.