Vatican City: The Vatican will become a hub of dialogue on global peace and environmental stewardship this September as it hosts the international seminar titled “Creation, Nature, Environment for World Peace”. The two-day event, scheduled for 11–12 September at the historic Casina Pio IV, will be inaugurated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and will bring together ecclesial, business, social, and cultural experts from across the globe.
Organized by the Council of Higher Studies of the Pontifical Academy of Theology (PATH), the seminar aims to foster reflection on safeguarding the common good and promoting harmonious coexistence among humanity and all creation. The program is designed around four thematic panels, addressing the urgent environmental, social, and moral challenges facing the contemporary world. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions on the paths humanity must follow to ensure sustainable development and global peace.
The seminar draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of Church teachings and traditions. These include Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (2025), the timeless Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi, Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Redemptor Hominis, Pope Benedict XVI’s reflections on human ecology, as well as Pope Francis’ encyclicals Laudato si’ and Laudate Deum. Speakers will explore the intricate links between human development, environmental stewardship, and the ethical responsibilities of global citizens.
The seminar will conclude on 12 September with a Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Antonio Staglianò, President of the Pontifical Academy of Theology, in Saint Peter’s Basilica at 5:30 PM. A papal audience is scheduled for the following day, 13 September, at 11:00 AM, providing an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the Holy Father. More information regarding the seminar program and registration is available at www.theologia.va.
The success of the event is supported by prominent companies, including Arpinge, Polideck, Guglietta Global, His Way at Work, and NTT DATA, highlighting the collaborative role of the business sector in promoting theological, social, and environmental initiatives. Through these partnerships, the Pontifical Academy of Theology continues its mission to foster dialogue, knowledge, and action, in line with the guidelines established in its new statutes approved in 2023 via the Motu Proprio Ad Theologiam Promovendam.
This seminar represents a significant step in the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to unite diverse sectors of society in the pursuit of peace, sustainable development, and the protection of creation, reinforcing the Church’s enduring commitment to the well-being of humanity and the planet.