Nampula: The Archdiocese of Nampula, located in northern Mozambique, is commemorating the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on environmental stewardship, with a series of community-driven initiatives aimed at awakening ecological consciousness across the region.
Released in 2015, Laudato Si’ has inspired global movements centered on care for the Earth — our "Common Home" — and in Nampula, the encyclical has galvanized local efforts under the growing Laudato Si’ Movement. Over the past week, the Archdiocese has hosted prayer gatherings, environmental education sessions, tree-planting ceremonies, and public discussions emphasizing the central message of the encyclical: “Everything is connected.”
At a recent gathering held at São Pedro de Napipine Parish, Movement members and government officials joined in dialogue and reflection. Rafael Pedro, provincial coordinator for the Laudato Si’ Movement, reminded attendees that this celebration isn’t merely symbolic.
“This is not just a yearly ritual. It’s a call to rethink our relationship with the environment,” said Pedro. “We are not above or apart from creation — we are woven into it. Plants, animals, rivers, mountains — they are our kin, created by the same divine hand.”
The significance of this ecological message is especially urgent for Nampula, which has experienced severe environmental consequences due to climate change. In recent years, the province has been struck by destructive cyclones, worsening poverty and displacing communities.
Secretary of State Plácido Pereira, representing the provincial government, emphasized the need for immediate, sustained action. Participating in a symbolic tree planting at the parish, Pereira reaffirmed the state's support for environmental education.
“We must shift our perspective and see the Earth as our shared home,” he said. “The climate-related disasters we face are not abstract threats — they’re real, and they’re here. Cyclones have worsened due to our negligence. We cannot delay action.”
In his address, Pereira also issued a clear reminder to corporations operating in the province. He stressed that development must go hand in hand with ecological responsibility.
“There are clear environmental laws that businesses must adhere to. Every new venture is required to conduct an environmental impact assessment and follow strict sustainability guidelines,” he said. “Progress should never come at the cost of ecological collapse.”
As Nampula commemorates ten years since the release of Laudato Si’, the message resonates louder than ever. The Archdiocese's efforts reflect a broader movement to align spiritual teachings with environmental action — calling every citizen, institution, and enterprise to embrace sustainability not just as a duty, but as a moral imperative.
From the grassroots to government halls, the momentum in Nampula signals a deeper, collective recognition: the well-being of humanity and the health of the planet are one and the same.