Running from 16 to 25 May 2021 more than 1 billion people worldwide will participate in the event to show how it is still possible to do something for the planet. On 9 May, the last day of United World Week, the Focolare’s Youth for a United World launched a new campaign for the coming year 2021-2022: #daretocare for people and planet, which proposes “ecological conversion” through initiatives that involve associations, organizations, institutions but also through our simple everyday actions, to break the cycle of violence, exploitation and selfishness so typical of the culture of waste. The Focolare Movement is a partner of the Global Catholic Climate Movement and collaborates with associations, organizations, institutions, movements of different Churches and various religions and cultures for the care of the planet. A global network of people who are passionate about caring for the planet. Last year on the 5th anniversary of the encyclical on the environment Pope Francis launched Laudato Si’ Week. At the end of the week, Francis proclaimed a Special Year Laudato Si’ to develop the encyclical on ecology, and declaring the next “Laudato Si’ Week” from 16 to 25 May 2021 which coincides with the sixth anniversary (24 May) of the encyclical. The event is organised by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development together with Renova, CIDSE, Caritas Internationalis, Jesuits – Society of Jesus, International Union of Superiors General, GPIC – General Curia of Franciscans OFM, the Union of Superiors General (USG) and facilitated by the Global Catholic Climate Movement in collaboration with about 150 Catholic organisations including the Focolare. The aim is to bring about ecological conversion through dialogue and an event is being planned which will present testimonies from religious leaders from countries around the world, including those devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as India, the United States and the Philippines. Laudato Si’ Week will also serve as a platform to plan further action for the next decade, ahead of the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15), the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). “Laudato Si’ Week” will have a rich programme of actions, webinars and testimonies to encourage dialogue, the exchange of views and to propose concrete actions for the planet. The theme is “for we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’ 13) to shine light on the hope around the world that something can still be done to turn things around. The Week will also showcase the transformative impact of ‘Laudato Si’ on global education and will include the ‘Songs for Creation’ festival, the global day of action and the launch of the ‘Laudato Si’ Platform of Initiatives. Every global event will be simultaneously translated into English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and French. Leaders of various religions from around the world, world-renowned speakers and authors, and more than a billion people will come together to celebrate the conclusion of the Special Year Laudato Si’ at the end of this month. “At a time when the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are becoming increasingly intense, ‘Laudato Si’ Week’ offers the perfect opportunity to take care of our common home,” says Tomás Insua, Executive Director of the Global Catholic Climate Movement. “The clock is ticking. Everyone is invited and enthusiastic about participating in celebration and action, through local activities, online events and much more”.

Lorenzo Russo