The Universal Church will observe the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, beginning a period known as the Season of Creation. This season, which continues until October 4—the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi—focuses on reflecting on the value of creation and humanity's duty to protect it.

Pope Francis established this observance in 2015 following his encyclical Laudato Si. The current year's theme is “Seeds of Peace and Hope.” According to the message from Pope Leo XIV, concerns about environmental threats and their impact on vulnerable populations continue to be emphasized.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, released a statement encouraging local communities to take action during this time. “In our own communities, we are called to plant seeds of peace in the deserts of human suffering. We are called to sow seeds of hope in the wastelands of indifference to climate change and environmental degradation. This day calls us to a conversion of heart in how we speak with truth and act with justice for the protection of the Earth and the well-being of our brothers and sisters,” said Archbishop Pérez.

He further asked community members to consider specific actions during this season: “By the grace of God, may the seeds of peace and hope that we plant bear good fruit and flourish into a forest of rest and renewal.”