Crimsonbridge Attends International Raising Hope Conference on Climate

Engaging the community in caring for the planet has been at the heart of the Crimsonbridge Foundation’s Environmental Sustainability program. So, when the Laudato Si’ Movement extended an invitation to Crimsonbridge’s Founder and Executive Chair Gabriela Smith, CEO Danielle M. Reyes, and Sustainability and Stewardship partner Bill Reig to participate in the Raising Hope Conference, they were honored to accept. Held October 1-3, 2025, in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, the event marked the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si', a letter on integral ecology, that highlights the moral imperative for climate justice. Crimsonbridge joined nearly 1,000 attendees from 80 countries, including figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, scientists, Indigenous leaders, faith representatives, and policymakers from around the world to seek urgent climate action, launch citizen-led action plans, and foster hope. 

Raising Hope was also the first time Pope Leo XIV spoke publicly about the Vatican’s position and continued support for Laudato Si’. His participation and his words garnered media attention from every major outlet in the world. Presiding over the gathering, Pope Leo XIV called for "ecological conversion" a spiritual and practical transformation of one's heart and mind to live in greater harmony with creation, first introduced by Pope Francis in Laudato Si'.  He urged global citizens to engage in climate action, asking if humanity would "cultivate and care for the world". Pope Leo also spoke to shifting from data to care, lifestyle changes in wealthy nations, unity, and the powerful role of youth in bringing hope.

For the Crimsonbridge team, the event offered an opportunity to learn and meet with people leading environmental sustainability and stewardship projects around the world as the Foundation embarks on a new initiative in the United States. Our team also connected with fellow collaborators such as members of FADICA, representatives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Catholic Climate Covenant. Building on Crimsonbridge Foundation’s Environmental Sustainability work, Crimsonbridge Group has recently embarked on a new Laudato Si’ initiative that brings together partners united in mission to support environmental sustainability work within the U.S. Catholic Church. It is shaping a framework rooted in collaboration, guided by respect, and aligned with the Church’s call to stewardship and care for creation.

To learn more visit https://www.crimsonbridge.org/laudatosiinitiative