May 21, 2025
You can read the statement from the USCCB president, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, as well here.
Catholic Climate Covenant offers deep appreciation for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which has released a letter addressed to young people for the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’.
The letter, published May 21, speaks to young people to “encourage your profound hope despite challenging times.”
“Pope Francis’ ministry was marked by a closeness to young people. He often celebrated the ways that young people like you help the world to remove the scales from our eyes, and we thank you for your witness. We, too, want to accompany you as your faith enkindles a desire to respond to the ‘cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’ (Laudato Si’, no. 49),” the letter says.
For several years, Catholic Climate Covenant has dedicated much of its time and resources to developing programs for youth and young adults precisely because of their concern for our common home and to uplift them as protagonists to help secure their own future in a climate-threatened world.
We affirm the letter which asks: “So, what can we do? We must be steadfast in our hope in God and in one another. God’s plan for our salvation and our world involves the participation of all. We need to build a culture of encounter. … Young people can lead the way as catalysts of hope. You have the capacity to organize and create change that will endure for generations to come … One example of this hope in action occurred in early 2025, when a group of 300 youth and 100 adults from many dioceses in California organized a pilgrimage praying for ecological conversion,” referencing one of the Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation the Covenant and over 20 other partners have helped organize within the Pilgrims of Hope for Creation movement.
“… By this kind of bold witness, youth and young adults serve as a vital bridge. Do not doubt that you have the power to inspire and lead efforts to effect change locally and globally,” the letter continues. “… We are with you, standing in the tension between God’s vision for his beloved creation and our current reality. … We close echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV: ‘We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we move forward. We are disciples of Christ.’”
“I am grateful and excited about this letter, both as a young adult and as someone who works with youth,” said Kayla Jacobs, the Covenant’s youth program manager. “I look forward to sharing this letter with the hundreds of students, teachers, and youth ministers the Covenant works with. Many students across the country have been taking leadership on Laudato Si’ for years. This letter is a great sign of support and encouragement from the bishops
“Young Catholics are looking for our Church to lead in protecting God’s creation and their future,” said Founder and Executive Director Dan Misleh. “Catholic Climate Covenant works alongside youth and young adults to empower them to be leaders not just in the environmental movement, but to urge their pastors and other Church officials to take seriously the threat of climate change and environmental degradation. Our resources and programs are at the service of our U.S. Catholic community. We offer our assistance to all who want to engage in protecting human life and human dignity from these modern and life-threatening challenges.”
