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Pope Leo opens a Vatican-run eco-training centre in response to climate change

Pope Leo is opening a new Vatican-run eco-training centre in the Italian countryside this Friday. Catholic officials claim that it's an initiative to encourage leaders around the world to tackle global climate change.

The center, which is spread over 55 hectares of land (136 acres), on the expansive grounds of a papal villa from the Renaissance era in Castel Gandolfo includes gardens, vocational-training facilities, and education opportunities for local kids.

Rev. Manuel Dorantes, the U.S. priest who directs the centre, stated that the Vatican wants set an example of how countries should pursue initiatives to protect the environment.

If we, the smallest state in the world can do it, what potential is there for states larger than us? He said. "Our world could be different if you and I work together."

The "Borgo Laudato Si" ecological project was announced by late Pope Francis in 2023, a strong advocate of environmental protection. According to officials, the large area of the centre represents approximately 55 percent (or more) of all land owned by Vatican.

The centre was named after Francis's major document from 2015, the first papal document to endorse the scientific consensus on climate change. It also urged nations that they reduce their carbon emission.

Leo, as the first U.S. Pope, has also stressed the environmental teachings of the Church. The new pontiff approved in July a unique rite that allows priests to offer Masses urging Catholics to care for the Earth.

Castel Gandolfo, on the shores Lake Albano, is located about an hour south of Rome. The new centre, which is located in the same building as where Leo spent his summer holidays this year, has been a place where popes spend their vacations since centuries.

The greenhouse at the center of the institute was built to mimic the colonnade on St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Officials have announced that visiting groups can learn about organic agriculture in the greenhouse or attend classes in a 10-room facility adjacent.

Tourists who book a tour will be able to purchase local agricultural products including organic olive oil and cheese produced by 60 cows that live on site. (Reporting Joshua McElwee, additional reporting by Claudia Chieppa, editing by William Maclean).

(source: Reuters)