Pope Leo, in climate push, to open Vatican-run ecological training centre
By Joshua McElwee
September 3, 20255:23 AM EDTUpdated September 3, 2025
Item 1 of 5 General view of the 'Laudato Si' Advanced Training Centre', a new Vatican-run ecological training centre that Pope Leo will open at Borgo Laudato si', a space comprising some 55 hectares (136 acres) of gardens and agricultural land on the sprawling grounds of the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, a small hamlet about an hour's drive southeast of Rome, Italy, September 2, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
[1/5]General view of the 'Laudato Si' Advanced Training Centre', a new Vatican-run ecological training centre that Pope Leo will open at Borgo Laudato si', a space comprising some 55 hectares (136 acres) of gardens and agricultural land on the sprawling grounds of the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, a... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Pope Leo will open a new Vatican-run ecological training centre in the Italian countryside on Friday, in an initiative Catholic officials say is meant to encourage world leaders to address global climate change.
The centre, located across 55 hectares (136 acres) on the sprawling grounds of a Renaissance-era papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, includes gardens, vocational training facilities, and educational opportunities for local children.
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Rev. Manuel Dorantes, a U.S. priest directing the centre, said the Vatican wants to set an example for how countries should pursue environmental initiatives.
"If we, the smallest city-state in the world, can do this, what is the potential for other states that are bigger than us?" he said. "Our world can be different if we work together."
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/pope-leo-climate-push-open-vatican-run-ecological-training-centre-2025-09-03/
