Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

While the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, his legacy continues to resonate as we mark the 10th anniversary of his encyclical. In this papal letter, Pope Francis called for an "ecological conversion," highlighting the importance of protecting God's creation as part of a Christian life. He stated that it "awakens our conscience, to recognize how the exploitation of the earth is connected to the exploitation of the poor, and how our response to one is directly tied to the other."

Pope Francis also established the Higher Educational Center, tasked with realizing the Borgo Project at Castel Gandolfo's Pontifical Villas. This initiative focuses on education in integral ecology and fraternity, making it inclusive and accessible, especially for vulnerable individuals. The project includes job training, educational courses, immersion experiences in nature, seminars, and cultural events.

The Borgo Project covers approximately 87 acres of gardens and 50 acres of agricultural land near Rome. It aims to preserve these areas through integral ecology education, a circular economy, and environmental sustainability. Activities typical of Pontifical farms are being reorganized while promoting biodiversity preservation and harmonious interaction between humans and nature.

In Hawai‘i, a similar spirit thrives on a 1,300-acre parcel returned by the United Church of Christ as reparation for its role in Hawaii's 1893 overthrow. Stewarded by local organizations, this land is being reforested with native plants while supporting women recovering from prison or trauma. These efforts embody Hawaiian values like caring for both land and people.

The initiatives in Italy and Hawai‘i honor Pope Francis's mission to serve vulnerable populations and protect the environment.