In the heart of Castel Gandolfothe Burgo laudato yes’an ecological citadel promoted by the Pope Francis as a clear expression of the values of your encyclical. Are 55 hectares in which Gardens, agricultural lands, greenhouses and service buildings coexistdesigned to promote circular economy, environmental sustainability and training in Integral ecology.
The project, launched in February 2023is open to all, although prioritizes people in vulnerability situation. There they are offered Seminars, professional training and activities for the preservation of biodiversity and harmonious coexistence with nature.
The Burgo protects more than 3,000 varieties of plants of 300 different species and reorganizes the activities of the pontifical farms with a circular economy model: Reuse, share, repair, recondition and recycle. An energy community was also created based on renewable sources.
Francisco chose this space to materialize the concepts of “Ecological conversion” and “Common House” promoted by the Church. With the collaboration of international experts in botany, biology and sustainability, they are provided courses for schoolchildren, businessmen, technicians and excluded sectorsas training for gardeners and maintenance of green areas.
What is laudato yes’
Laudato if ‘is an encyclical written by Pope Francis and published on May 24, 2015. The title, which means “Praise you” In medieval Italian, it is inspired by the Song of the creatures of San Francisco de Asíswho is known for his deep love and respect for the nature. This encyclical focuses on the care of the environment and the responsibility of humanity towards the “Common House”that is, the Planet Earth.
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In the document, Pope Francis reflects on damage that human activity caused to the environmentsuch as pollution, climate change, loss of biodiversity and the depletion of natural resources. He maintains that these crises are not only ecological, but also social and ethicalsince they especially affect the poorest and most vulnerable in the world.
Leo XIV visited the Burgo Laudato if ‘and celebrated his ecological mission
On May 29, Pope Leo XIV moved from the Vatican to Castel Gandolfo to visit the Burgo laudato yes’. Received by Cardinal Baggio and Father Manuel Dorantes, project director, the Pontiff He toured the garden of the Virgin Mary and the Belvedere Jardineswhere he witnessed the preparations for the formal inauguration of the space.
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Vatican News
During the visit, he also stopped at the Cryptoporticvestiges of the Villa del Emperor Domianoand recalled the gesture of Pío Pius XIIwho took refuge more than 12,000 people after the bombings of 1944. The day concluded with a tour of the Barberini Villa and the Apostolic Palace, transformed into a museum by Francisco in 2016.
This walk through the Burgus Laudato if ‘it was not only protocol: reinforced the new Pope’s commitment to Integral ecology and with the spiritual, environmental and social legacy initiated by its predecessor.
Source: Ambito
