Season of Creation 2025: Catholic Laity on How Laudato Si’ Inspired Environment-Friendly Initiatives in Cape Verde

The Diocese of Santiago de Cabo Verde also established the Trindade Agroecological Farm, which focuses on the ecological production of milk and other healthy products.

“We are talking about agriculture that respects the land and people’s health. This is a direct result of the inspiration of Laudato Si,” Mr. Furtado said.

At the parish level, the Our Lady of Help Achada de Santo António Parish developed the Capelona Project, which promotes recycling and community coexistence.

At St. Joseph Parish of Santiago Diocese, the Secretariat of Ecology trains families to produce handmade soaps and detergents as part of daily ecological practices.

In the Catholic Diocese of Mindelo, Parishes have engaged the faithful in ecological walks at Monte Gordo Natural Park, linking spirituality with environmental action. Other initiatives include sewing workshops where discarded fabrics are transformed into shopping bags and aprons, reducing plastic waste.

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“It is Laudato Si in action, with creativity and responsibility,” Mr. Furtado said.

Schools have also taken part, notably Our Lady of Love College, where students engage in film debates, interdisciplinary projects, and reflections on Laudato Si. “This generates very positive results among students,” he said.

Mr. Furtado lauded the government’s role in advancing Pope Francis’ vision. He noted that the Ministry of the Environment published Laudato Si’ in book format, which became “the basis for political actions such as the approval of the Climate Law.”

He also recognized with appreciation the involvement of President José Maria Neves, who serves as patron of the Decade of the Ocean initiative.

“Cape Verde is 99% ocean. The President has participated in roundtable discussions, visited environmental associations, and given a clear signal that we need to work together to protect our territory,” he said.

While acknowledging progress, Mr. Furtado warned that real change depends on personal and community transformation.

“The biggest challenge is changing behavior. We need people to understand the importance of caring for the environment and committing to this mission in their daily lives. Without this personal and community ecological conversion, everything else loses strength,” he said.

Mr. Furtado appealed to all Cape Verdeans to take environmental protection seriously.

 “Cape Verde is our beloved homeland. We should be proud to belong to this nation and work to make it better, more beautiful, and more interesting. Taking care of our Common Home means taking care of our own lives, the future of our children and grandchildren,” he said.

Running from September 1 to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology, this year’s theme is Peace with Creation. “It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to life and to God’s loving plan for all creation,” Mr. Furtado said.

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