Emanuel Odo, PMKRI East Jakarta 

For me, Laudato Si’ is a spiritual wake-up call. It reminds us that caring for the Earth is not just about politics or science, it’s a matter of faith and moral responsibility. As a young Catholic, I see Laudato Si’ as deeply connected with my spiritual journey. It teaches me that protecting creation is part of how I live out my beliefs. One person who inspires me is Greta Thunberg. Although she doesn’t speak from a religious background, her passion and courage to defend the Earth are powerful. She speaks with honesty, acts boldly, and constantly reminds world leaders that the Earth cannot wait. When I read Laudato Si’, I feel the same sense of urgency that Greta brings to her activism. Pope Francis calls us not just to care, but to act. He invites us to live simply, to hear the cry of the Earth, and to understand that we are all connected. For me Laudato Si’ is more than a letter from the Pope. It’s a deep reminder to open our hearts and think carefully about how we live. It challenges us to treat the Earth with respect and love. Faith isn’t just about prayers and church attendance; it’s also about our actions in daily life. As young people of faith, we must live with care and responsibility for the Earth and for each other. 

In our local Union of Catholic University Students of the Republic of Indonesia (PMKRI) chapter in East Jakarta, we’ve taken small but meaningful steps to live out the message of Laudato Si’. We organize community clean-up days, reduce plastic use in our meetings and events, and hold discussions on ecological justice. We also collaborate with other youth and interfaith groups to raise awareness about deforestation, water pollution, and waste problems in our city. These actions may seem simple, but they are rooted in a strong belief: change starts from the grassroots. When we act locally with faith and commitment, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others. 

Laudato Si’ has encouraged me to be more aware of my everyday choices. I try to use reusable items, support local and sustainable products, and speak up when I see environmental damage. I have also started writing and sharing about ecological conversion in our organization, hoping to inspire others. One quote that really stays with me is: “There is an interconnection between the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” This reminds me that environmental justice is deeply connected with social justice. When we damage the Earth, it is often the poor and vulnerable who suffer the most. I hope to see a Church that fully embraces ecological conversion not only through words but through real, systemic action. I want parishes to be role models in sustainable living: saving energy, managing waste, and promoting care for creation. I also hope that my community becomes more aware and critical, linking environmental issues with economic injustice and the rights of indigenous people. My dream is for the Church to be a courageous and prophetic voice for creation and for the dignity of all life. 

Youth have the creativity, energy, and clarity to lead this movement. We are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today. We can use our social media, our art, our talents, and our networks to raise awareness and push for change. But even more than that, we can live differently. We can model a lifestyle that is simple, responsible, and community-focused. We can show that sustainability is not just possible, it is joyful. We can be prophets of hope. Conclusion Laudato Si’ is a powerful invitation to live our faith with courage and love, protecting the Earth and standing with the poor. As young people, let’s answer that call with our whole hearts—not with fear, but with hope, unity, and bold action. Thank you. Pro Ecclesia et Patria.