On July 9, Pope Leo XIV led a Mass for the Care of Creation at Borgo Laudato Si’, the gardens established by Pope Francis at Castel Gandolfo. The event underscored the importance of caring for creation, as emphasized in St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Sun and Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si’. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, echoed these sentiments in a message to the faithful.

Cardinal Tobin highlighted that "our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us." He encouraged reading Laudato Si’ in full to appreciate its depth beyond media sound bites.

The encyclical is described as a profound letter addressing Church leaders and all people about nurturing and protecting God’s creation. It draws from St. Francis's hymn The Canticle of the Sun, emphasizing authentic Christian ecology.

Pope Francis noted his inspiration from St. Francis as an example of care for the vulnerable and integral ecology. He stated, “I believe that St. Francis is the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable.”

Cardinal Tobin reiterated that environmental care is inseparable from love for humanity: "We cannot be authentically eco-friendly unless we are also unselfish, loving and fair."

Pope Leo XIV remarked on global warming and conflicts during his homily, drawing parallels between current fears and those faced by Jesus' disciples amid storms. He emphasized hope found in Jesus: “He calms the storm.”

The Archdiocese of Newark launched "We Are His Witnesses," an initiative inspired by Evangelii Gaudium aimed at renewing parish life amidst declining participation but growing regional population.

The initiative calls for pastoral conversion towards dynamic evangelization rooted in Gospel fidelity.

For more information on We Are His Witnesses, visit www.WeAreHisWitnesses.org.