Pope Leo XIV: Build bridges for ecological and social justice

Rio de Janeiro, May 21, 2025: In a video message sent on Tuesday to the Network of Universities for the Care of Our Common Home, Pope Leo XIV called on academic leaders and youth to build bridges for ecological and social justice. The message was delivered during a gathering held at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, ahead of the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical Laudato si.

Addressing participants at the “gencounter”, Pope Leo expressed his appreciation for the network’s ongoing commitment to a synodal process of discernment in preparation for the COP3 climate conference. He praised the universities for reflecting on "a possible reconciliation of public debt and ecological debt", a topic the late Pope Francis had emphasised in his message for the World Day of Peace.

“This Jubilee Year is a year of hope,” the Pope declared, urging young people to carry forward their mission with determination and hope.

Directly addressing university rectors, Pope Leo encouraged them in their mission to be "builders of bridges of integration" between the Americas and the Iberian Peninsula, working towards ecological, social, and environmental justice.

Concluding his message, the Holy Father expressed heartfelt gratitude to those present for their service and dedication. He also urged all participants to “keep building bridges” through their pursuit of justice and care for the planet, our common home.

By Francesca Merlo

Courtesy: Vatican News