A day in the Vatican’s Borgo Laudato si’ at Castel Gandolfo

It was Pope Francis who, in 2023, launched the idea of a laboratory for “integral ecology” caring for nature and human dignity. The aim of the project would be “combining education in integral ecology, the circular and generative economy, and environmental sustainability.”

This entity, independent of the Holy See, is separate from the rest of the Pontifical Villas—part of which, particularly the Apostolic Palace, is a museum open to the public.

The entrance to the estate opens onto a small wooded park bordering the Villa Barberini. This palace, built by a nephew of Pope Urban VIII, was long occupied by senior officials of the Curia when the popes stayed in the Apostolic Palace during the summer.

The second floor, formerly reserved for the Secretary of State, became the summer residence of Pope Leo XIV, who is the 16th pontiff to come and rest at Castel Gandolfo since the papacy acquired the property.

During the summer, the American-Peruvian pontiff was able to discover the wonders of the gardens surrounding the villa. Walking up the rose-lined path, amid the ruins of what was once the palace of Emperor Domitian (81-96), he contemplated the ancient amphitheater, the decayed statues of forgotten gods and tyrants, and enjoyed the breathtaking view from the belvedere promenade over the Italian gardens and the coastal plain of the Agro Pontino. In a small pavilion, he invited 110 poor people to share lunch on August 17.

Under the discreet gaze of the 18 gardeners who work to preserve this immense estate, the pope also visited the park's “natural chapel,” a small place of prayer where a Japanese statue of the Virgin Mary stands before a peaceful pond (stocked with fish by Benedict XVI). It was here that he celebrated the first “Mass for Creation” on July 9.

A little further on, the scenery changes: after crossing vine-covered hillsides and olive groves, we come upon a vast expanse of land bordered by umbrella pines. This is where the brand-new Laudato si' Center was built in two years. Surrounding a huge glass and metal greenhouse covered with photovoltaic panels—whose shape resembles a flying saucer—antique statues give way to contemporary works of art, and rose bushes to exotic flowers. A central courtyard, where aromatic herbs and fruit trees grow with drip irrigation systems, opens onto two large cement and glass halls.

This huge, brand-new structure—some parts of which still need to be finalized—is the heart of the “Borgo”: a center dedicated to promoting integral ecology. Pope Francis wanted this place to be a “concrete manifestation” of the principles set out in his encyclical Laudato si', according to Cardinal Fabio Baggio, director of the Borgo. The project is based on three pillars: circular economy, ecological education, and sustainable development.

Cardinal Baggio explains that Pope Leo XIV, shortly after his election, gave his approval for this entity to continue its mission, while insisting on the importance of starting the productive phase as soon as possible.

In particular, the center will have a “farm-to-table” restaurant offering olive oil, “Laudato si'” wine—the first vintage is expected in 2027—as well as dairy and vegetable products from organic farming on Vatican land and from local producers. Vegetarian and vegan menus are also planned.

The project, supported by private investments deemed compatible with the values of integral ecology, expects a return on investment between four and seven years. This financial structure will enable the center to offer training courses: vacation classes for schools and catechism groups, conferences with experts linked to universities, and seminars for business leaders.

Between 2,000 and 3,000 students are expected each year. They will be able to take courses lasting a day, a week, or longer in gardening, viticulture, olive growing, or the use of medicinal plants.

At the heart of the project, training open to people in difficulty (former prisoners, migrants, drug victims) seeking to reintegrate into society has already begun. After their time at the center, ten of them have been able to find employment.

This site, which employs around 40 people, uses recycled materials and no plastic, recycling all of its waste, and using only electric vehicles. It’s not intended to be a utopia but a “reproducible and viable model,” insists Sister Alessandra Smerilli, economist and member of the center's board of directors. It’s intended to be accessible to all: “Our doors are open, both for visitors and for those who want to join our adventure,” she emphasizes.