by EH
In a world increasingly confronted by the realities of climate change, a significant discussion is set to take place in Trieste. Under the vaulted ceilings of the historic Seminary Auditorium on Via Besenghi, faith leaders, scientists, and environmental activists will gather for a roundtable titled “Hope and Act with Creation: What Do We Know About Climate Change?”
The event, scheduled for Thursday, October 17, at 6:00 PM, is part of the global Season of Creation, which the Catholic Church marks from September 1 to October 4. The Laudato Si’ Circle of Trieste, a local offshoot of Pope Francis’ global environmental initiative, is organizing the roundtable in collaboration with the Diocese of Trieste, with the endorsement of the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection (ARPA-FVG).
Moderated by Giorgio Cecco, the regional coordinator of FareAmbiente FVG, a prominent environmental organization in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the discussion will focus on the growing body of scientific evidence around climate change and the ethical responsibility to act. The event brings together voices from both science and faith, signaling the deepening commitment of religious communities to environmental stewardship.
The roster of speakers reflects the diverse range of expertise coming together for this conversation. Maria Cristina Pedicchio, President of the Agency for the Promotion of European Research, will offer her perspective on the intersection of scientific research and public policy. Valentina Gallina from OSMER ARPA FVG, the regional meteorological observatory, will provide data and insights on the local and global impacts of climate change. María Florencia Ribero, Project Leader of the Farm of Francesco, will speak about the grassroots initiatives inspired by Pope Francis’ call for ecological conversion in his encyclical Laudato Si’.
In a rare convergence of science and faith, the event will culminate with closing remarks from Bishop Enrico Trevisi of Trieste, whose presence underscores the Church’s renewed focus on environmental concerns as part of its broader social justice mission.
The timing of the roundtable is significant. As climate protests sweep across Europe, driven by a new generation of activists, religious leaders are increasingly being called upon to use their moral authority to influence public opinion and policy. Pope Francis himself has repeatedly urged the global community to see environmental degradation as not just a political or economic issue, but as a profound moral challenge that demands urgent action.
The event is emblematic of the growing alliance between the Church and environmental organizations. The Laudato Si’ Circle – Trieste, which is spearheading the discussion, includes members from the Franciscan Family of Trieste, FareAmbiente FVG, Economy of Francesco, and the Christian Union of Entrepreneurs and Managers (UCID). This coalition reflects a broader movement within the Church to engage with environmental issues in a meaningful way, going beyond traditional religious concerns to embrace the well-being of the planet.
As the world grapples with increasingly frequent and severe weather events, from wildfires to floods, the question “What do we know about climate change?” feels more urgent than ever. The hope, according to the event’s organizers, is not just to inform but to inspire action—drawing on both faith and reason to chart a path forward.
For Trieste, a city with a long tradition of scientific inquiry and a deep connection to the sea, this dialogue represents an important step in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time. The challenge, as the roundtable will no doubt emphasize, is finding ways to act—before it’s too late.
