In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing just days before, the Laudato Si’ Research Institute (LSRI)—an initiative of the Jesuits in Britain—hosted a significant Theology & Integral Ecology conference at the Oxford Martin School on 24–25 April. The two-day event marked the tenth anniversary of the Pope’s landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ and became a tribute to his extraordinary ecological legacy.

Themed Theology & Integral Ecology: New Approaches to Our Planetary Crisis, the conference brought together over a 100 theologians, scientists, and activists from different parts of the world to discuss the intersection of theology and integral ecology. With a focus on how theological themes like creation, human dignity, and eschatology can enrich integral ecology, the conference sought to deepen understanding of how faith and theology can inform responses to today’s complex and interconnected global ecological and social crises.

As the world mourned the Pope’s passing, the conference became a poignant moment to reflect on his tireless advocacy for our common home. It underscored the need to continue his work in inspiring urgent action in response to the global ecological crisis, deepening the conversation on how faith and theology can guide the world towards a more sustainable and just future.

“Pope Francis’ legacy for caring for the climate is huge,” said Professor Celia Deane-Drummond, Director of the LSRI. “He wasn’t afraid of science. He was concerned to actually see the reality of the world around us: the breakdown of ecological systems, the breakdown of the planet, the climate, and community. He tried throughout his whole ministry as pope to raise our consciousness away from this culture of indifference.”

Many attendees shared personal testimonies about the profound impact Pope Francis’s legacy has had in promoting sustainability and environmental justice. These reflections, compiled into a video, highlight his lasting influence on individuals and communities around the world.

Held at the historic Oxford Martin School, with beautiful moments of reflection in Christ Church Cathedral, the conference delved into themes central to Francis’s vision of integral ecology – a worldview that integrates environmental, social, and spiritual dimensions. With keynote lectures, academic panels, and prayer sessions, the event reinforced the Church’s urgent call to ecological conversion.

For a deeper look at the conference’s discussions and reflections, LSRI has published daily summaries of the event on its website. You can read them here:

Day 1

Day 2

As the event concluded, there was a sense of renewed commitment among participants to continue advancing the Pope’s vision of integral ecology. The conference sparked hope and reaffirmed the LSRI’s commitment to the Jesuit mission of reconciliation with creation, inspiring renewed purpose for the Church and the planet.

To find out more about the Laudato Si’ Research Institute, visit lsri.campion.ox.ac.uk.