Catholic Church observes ‘Tempo del Creato’ for environmental care

The Catholic Church is observing ‘Tempo del Creato’ (Time of Creation) from September 1 to October 4, concluding on the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. The period begins with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

Don Rosario Raciti, diocesan director of the Office for Pastoral Care of Social Problems, Labor, Justice, Peace, and Environment, has invited communities to use this time for prayer and reflection on how they inhabit and protect the ‘common home.’ The initiative draws on a message from Pope Leo XIV, inspired by the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing the need for peace and environmental safeguarding amidst global challenges such as war, poverty, and inequality.

Raciti noted that humanity acts as ‘custodians rather than owners’ of creation, calling for personal and community responsibility to respect and protect the environment.