Tuesday 1st September is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day, established by Pope Francis, invites us to reflect on the Christian truth that this visible world comes to us from God, it bears the marks of his presence and deserves respect and a true spirit of care. Pope Francis, especially in his encyclical letter Laudato Si’ (2015), drew attention to the urgent examination of conscience needed by all Christians for the manner in which we care for the natural world – of which we are called to be humble stewards rather than domineering masters. The Day of Prayer is connected to a broader “season of creation” celebrated by many Christians and observed from the start of September up to the feast of St Francis of Assisi (4th October).
“As we observe this World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, we are once again invited to contemplate the gift of life and to cherish the earth that sustains it, for they are tangible ways of offering praise to our Creator … The God of life, revealed in Jesus Christ, offers a peace that the world cannot give: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you’ (Jn 14:27). This peace is neither superficial nor fleeting; it flows from the enduring love of Christ and his care for every human person.”
Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, 15 August 2026.