Contemplate creation and encounter the Creator, Pope preaches at world prayer day Mass

September 02, 2026

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in the Pontifical Gardens in Castel Gandolfo last evening (video) and emphasized that contemplation of creation leads to an encounter with the Creator that beckons us to conversion.

The Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1. The day marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, an ecumenical initiative to which Pope Leo, like Pope Francis, has lent his support.

“It would be superficial to marvel at fire, wind, rushing waters or the stars of heaven, without allowing our gaze to rise to the Creator of such wonders,” Pope Leo preached. “All creation speaks to us of the greatness of its Creator, if only our eyes and hearts remain open to such a great mystery.”

The Pope continued:

This evening, as we accept the invitation to pause and reflect before the works of God, we begin the “Season of Creation”—a period of five weeks devoted to prayer and commitment to the care of our “common home.” On this Day, therefore, and in the weeks ahead, let us set aside a few moments to pause from the frenzy of our daily lives, in order to savor the profound harmony of which we ourselves are a part. Let us place in “silent mode” the many noises generated by human activity, so that we may hear the melodious voice of creation, through which God, the Author of all things, speaks to us.

“From contemplating creation and encountering its Creator, there arises an awareness of our particular place within God’s wondrous plan, and of the responsibility that we bear both personally and collectively for preserving the original harmony,” the Pope added. “Thus, as we become conscious of our shortcomings and failures, we can renew our commitment to restoring the relationships among all creatures according to the will of their Creator.”

The Pontiff recalled St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun and concluded, “With Saint Francis, let us renew our commitment to living and promoting that universal fraternity which is inseparably bound to the task of caring for creation.”

 

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Further information:

• Holy Mass (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 9/1/26)
• Pope Leo: ‘It is not yet too late’ to turn destruction into life (Vatican News, 9/1/26)