Sacramento, CA – Catholics from nearly every diocese in California will gather at the State Capitol in Sacramento for a day of prayer, public witness, and advocacy, highlighting care for God’s creation as central to the Catholic faith, on Mon., Apr 7. Bringing together nearly 400 Catholics, this pilgrimage is one of the first in the unprecedented nationwide multi-organization Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation.
Led by Catholic high school and college students from across California, the pilgrimage will serve as a powerful act of hope and action. The youth participants will be trained in the principles of Laudato Si’ and equipped to lead advocacy meetings with their state legislators on climate action. The students have chosen to advocate in support of five pieces of legislation currently under consideration by state legislators.
“Recognizing the urgent need to raise awareness of the need to care for creation and its impact on those in the greatest of need, young Californians are stepping forward as prophetic leaders, showing us the path toward healing our relationship with God, each other, and all of creation,” said Betsey Reifsnider, co-leader of the Laudato Si’ Movement California Chapter. “This youth-centered leadership reflects Pope Francis’ call for a renewed sense of solidarity and urgent response to environmental and social challenges. This pilgrimage is a sign of the Spirit calling us to collective action and hope.”
The legislation the students will advocate in support of includes fire resilience and prevention proposals; water and habitat protection; and fair immigration policies.
“As youth in California, we have witnessed first-hand the tragic effects of climate change in our communities and know that we can’t wait to take action,” said Elias Duran, a high school student at Loyola High in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “This pilgrimage is our way of living out our faith—walking in solidarity, lifting our voices, and advocating for policies that protect the environment and vulnerable communities. We are called to be caretakers of creation. This is our chance to show that we are ready to lead.”
The pilgrimage is part of a larger landmark national initiative, Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation, which marks not only the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ but also the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures, and the Jubilee Year. The initiative, comprised of nearly 20 national Catholic organizations, invites Catholics to walk together in prayer and action, advocating for policies that protect the environment and promote social justice.
Catholic organizations and lay leaders from across the U.S. are supporting similar pilgrimages during the Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4, 2025) to encourage Catholics nationwide to engage in honoring our shared responsibility to care for God’s creation.
“The invitation to pilgrimage goes out to all Catholics and people of good will to join in this sacred mission to live out the teachings of Jesus, St. Francis, and Pope Francis, taking practical steps to heal the planet and restore the relationship between humanity and the rest of God’s creation.” added Anna Johnson, Laudato Si’ North American Program Director. “Together, we can make a lasting impact by responding to the urgent call to safeguard the Earth as our common home.”