Encouraged by the success of previous editions, the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) is planning a celebratory event in Brussels to mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. Since its publication, the text has been a valuable source of inspiration for millions of Catholics (and others) around the world, including in Europe. Its messages have also reached the political world, drawing attention to the root causes of “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”. Together with European decision-makers, the members of ELSiA would like to reflect on and share how the messages of the encyclical are still relevant and what can be done to make them a reality in EU policy making.
Join us at COMECE for an inspiring conversation! Please register using this link. Registration is mandatory.
[The event will be followed by a reception, starting at 18:00]
Draft Programme
16:00 Opening prayer and welcome by Maria Nyman (Secretary General of Caritas Europa)
16:05 Introduction to ELSiA & the work of ELSiA: Stefan Lunte (Secretary General of Justice and Peace Europe)
16:15 Keynote speaker: Dr Lorna Gold (Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement)
16:25 Panel discussion on sustainable food systems
Moderator: Johannes Moravitz (Adviser on Ecology, Energy & Agriculture, COMECE)
Panellists:
- An MEP (tbc)
- A Commission representative (tbc)
- Béla Kuslits (Senior Ecology Officer at the Jesuit European Social Centre)
17:05 Transition by Stefan Lunte
17: 10 Panel discussion on a just energy transition
Moderator: Josianne Gauthier (Secretary General of CIDSE)
Panellists:
- An MEP (tbc)
- A Commission representative (tbc)
- Jean Yves Terlinden (International Cooperation and Humanitarian Director, Caritas Europa)
17:50 Presentation of an ELSiA eco-praxis project
18:00 Closing prayer and closing remarks – Maria Nyman
18:10 Cocktail reception
