Pope officially opens eco-friendly facility promoting a waste-free, inclusive economic model

In the picturesque papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV has inaugurated Borgo Laudato Si', a new "zero environmental impact" complex dedicated to promoting integral ecology, sustainability, and a circular and generative economy.

The complex, administered as an ecological model farm and educational center by Vatican authorities under the direction of Father Emanuel Dorantes from the Archdiocese of Chicago, extends over 85 acres of gardens and 50 acres of farmland. It consists of a circular greenhouse, two buildings topped with solar panels, and various animal habitats housing cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, and other small animals.

The Borgo Laudato Si' is a testament to the Vatican's commitment to ecological conversion, a goal shared by the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education. This center, run by the Vatican, aims to promote ecological conversion and seeks to implement a generative and circular economy that aims to generate no waste.

The center's activities, starting with agriculture, are designed to be a model of a responsible, generative, and circular economy. This is evident in the vocational training program in gardening and agriculture currently running for vulnerable individuals. Products produced on the farm, such as cheese, olive oil, and wine, will be sold to the public with the label "Laudato Si'".

The center is open to all and will offer educational programs for students of all ages and retreats for business leaders. Salesian Sister Alessandra Smerilli, a member of the center's board, emphasized the center's goal of generating economic growth that benefits all, not just a select few.

Cardinal Fabio Baggio, director general of the center, emphasized that this conversion will enable transformation and the building of a more just and fraternal world. The center's initiatives align with the ecumenical Season of Creation, which runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, and was celebrated earlier in July with a Mass for the care of creation led by Pope Leo XIV in the Garden of the Little Madonna.

During the inauguration, Andrea Bocelli and his son, Matteo, sang "Dolce Sentire". Pope Leo XIV also interacted with some of the animals, including a white Andalusian horse named "Sale Rosso" and a newborn calf named "Domenico".

The opening of Borgo Laudato Si' is a significant step in the Vatican's efforts to inspire action for a better world. As U.S. Father Manuel Dorantes stated, the center is a model intended to inspire other states to take action for a more sustainable and equitable future.

In the spring of 2026, Chicago natives Art Smith and Phil Stefani will open a restaurant in this sustainable ecosystem, using only locally grown and sourced products. This venture further underscores the commitment to sustainability and the circular economy embodied by Borgo Laudato Si'.

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the Borgo Laudato Si' serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that it is possible to create a sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for all.