04 November 2024

Laudato Si' Village: an oasis of ecological formation for the Jubilee 2025

In the heart of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, a project of sustainability and inclusion for the Jubilee, inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si' and open to all

For the Jubilee 2025, the Laudato Si' Village will open its doors inside the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, offering an educational and immersive experience focused on integral ecology. This unique place, strongly desired by Pope Francis, aims to raise awareness among pilgrims and visitors on the issues of sustainability, the care of creation and responsibility towards the planet, referring to the principles of the encyclical Laudato Si' and the recent apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum.

The project, managed by the Laudato Si' Higher Education Center (CeAF-LS), represents one of the most innovative initiatives of the Jubilee. Founded in February 2023, CeAF-LS aims to be a scientific, educational and social body to promote an integral formation of the person, with particular attention to young people and people in vulnerable conditions. Through the Laudato Si' Village, the Center aims to create a sustainable model that combines ecology, circular economy and social inclusion.

An itinerary between nature and history

The village covers 55 hectares, of which 35 are reserved for gardens rich in biodiversity, with over 3000 plants of 300 different species, and 20 hectares dedicated to agriculture and animal husbandry. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the historical remains of the Villa of Emperor Domitian, immersed in a unique natural landscape. This stage is recommended for Jubilee pilgrims as a time of reflection on the beauty of creation and the need to preserve it for future generations.

Education and inclusion for ecological conversion

The project is developed in two phases: the first concerns the garden area, while the second focuses on the agricultural and livestock area. Starting this year, the Borgo will host numerous educational activities to involve visitors in an "ecological conversion", inspired by the principles of Laudato Si'.

Activities include:

Job training for vulnerable people: practical courses in green maintenance, gardening and arboriculture, aimed at migrants, refugees, unemployed young people and other disadvantaged categories. These paths provide job placement and professional support for a first year of employment.

Environmental education for young people and children: diversified educational programs for schools and universities, with guided tours and workshops. For the little ones there are paths to discover nature and manual activities, while for university students there are courses and summer schools dedicated to integral ecology.

Programs for entrepreneurs and professionals: workshops and seminars on the themes of the encyclical Laudato Si', aimed at entrepreneurs and technicians interested in applying sustainable models in their professional fields.

Towards a circular economy

The second phase, focused on the agricultural area, aims to create a real circular economy model, based on recycling, reuse and sustainable production. Through an energy community powered by renewable sources and a particular focus on biodiversity, the Borgo becomes a living laboratory to experience the synergy between man and nature, in line with the principles of integral ecology.

With the Jubilee 2025, Laudato Si' Village affirms itself not only as a place of contemplation and learning, but also as a symbol of concrete commitment to a sustainable and responsible future

INFORMATION

Pilgrims who wish to visit the village can book tickets in advance at a promotional rate, by sending a request to tours@borgolaudatosi.va.

This space is designed to offer everyone, even non-believers, an opportunity to reconnect with nature and an invitation to reflect on our role as stewards of creation.

Laudato Si' Village is open every day at the following times: