From the 26th to 31st May 2025, the annual Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) course was held, organised by the OFM General Curia office of the same name in collaboration with the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome.
The objective of this activity is to provide the JPIC animators of the OFM and the Franciscan Family with different perspectives of study, analysis and reflection on themes related to justice, peace and the care of the common home, so that they have theoretical and practical tools to carry out the service entrusted to them. Course 2025, entitled ‘The Canticle of the Creatures of St. Francis of Assisi: Care for the Weak and for an Integral Ecology’ (cf. Laudato Si', 10), is part of the celebration of the 8th Centenary of the Canticle of the Creatures, the 10th anniversary of the Encyclical Laudato Si' and the Jubilee Year.
During the week, a comprehensive programme was developed that included: a perspective on the current ecological crisis, in-depth analyses of the Canticle of the Creatures from different angles, historical, biblical, philosophical and theological. Particular attention was paid to practical aspects, including concrete ecological projects such as the eco-pastoral project in Indonesia and the Pontifical University Antonianum integral ecology programme. The Encyclical Laudato Si' was also analysed.
The programme included a guided tour of Assisi, and there were sessions on JPIC animation in Franciscan spirituality and strategies for animation projects in Franciscan entities.
On Friday, the 30th May, the Order of Friars Minor and the PUA, in the person of Br Massimo Fusarelli, OFM Minister General and Grand Chancellor of the PUA, conferred an award on persons and institutions that have distinguished themselves for their commitment to integral ecology.
They are Patriarch Bartholomew I, Leonardo Boff, the Panamanian Ecclesial Network, and the Laudato Si' Movement. "Dear awardees, you are not only receiving recognition today, but if you will allow me to say, you have an even greater responsibility: to continue to be a prophetic voice in a world that often, too often, prefers profit to the common good. To all of you, then, I address this final invitation: please return to your communities, bringing with you the seed of integral ecological conversion. May the Canticle of the Creatures resound in our homes, may Laudato Si ' inspire our daily choices, even small ones. The future of the earth, God's gift, is also in our hands, but above all in our hearts," said Br Massimo at the end of the award ceremony.
Motivation for the awards
Patriarch Bartholomew I is a Christian leader who has insisted on the care of creation from a Christian ethical and moral perspective: he has often stated that “Committing a crime against nature is a sin”, he has consistently promoted ecological conversion, and he has promoted ecumenical, interreligious and intercultural dialogue to address the challenges of our common home.
Leonardo Boff is one of the pioneers of ecotheology worldwide. In his 1996 book “Ecology: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor”, he justifies the commitment of the Christian faith to care for our common home. Furthermore, he was one of the drafters of the Earth Charter, adopted by the United Nations in 2003. Boff was able to update the message of Francis of Assisi to the current ecological crisis, offering paths based on the spirituality of the Italian saint.
The Laudato Si’ Movement is a global Catholic movement born under the inspiration of the Laudato Si’ Encyclical, which seeks to implement its principles centred on ecological sustainability, climate justice and ecological conversion. Therefore, thanks to its commitment to these values and the various strategies promoted during its ten years of existence, it has been possible to bring about a change of mentality within and outside the Church. The award was presented to Lorna Gold of the Laudato Si' Movement.
The aim of the Pan-American Ecclesial Network is to raise awareness in the Americas of the importance of the Amazon for all humanity, to establish, among the local Churches of different South American countries located in the Amazon basin, a joint pastoral work with differentiated priorities, to create a development model that favours the poor and serves the common good. This ecclesial model has made it possible to listen to the voices of the peoples and communities in the area, especially the indigenous peoples, to protect their lives and that of the Amazon ecosystems (Amazon biome) through networked socio-ecclesial action. The award was presented to Monsignor Rafael Cob García president of REPAM.
