The Holy Father said Pope Francis\u2018 encyclical Laudato Si\u2019 is a framework for addressing the social and environmental crises of the region.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Italy\u02bcs \u201cTerra dei Fuochi,\u201d or \u201cLand of Fires,\u201d for a one-day visit on May 23, the first pope in history to meet with this population amid a yearslong battle against illegal waste disposal.<\/p>\n
The pope arrived in Acerra around 8:45 a.m., landing at the Arcoleo sports field, where he was immediately welcomed by Acerra Bishop Antonio Di Donna.<\/p>\n
Numerous dignitaries were also present, including Tito d\u2019Errico, the mayor of Acerra.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV\u02bcs visit to the region also marks the 11th anniversary of the publication of the late Pope Francis\u2019 landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Si’.<\/p>\n
Pope Francis himself was originally scheduled to visit the area for the encyclical\u2019s fifth anniversary, though the visit was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. <\/p>\n
From the sports field, Pope Leo XIV traveled immediately by car to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Acerra, where he met with bishops, clergy, members of religious orders, and the families of victims of environmental pollution. Approximately 12,000 faithful were present for the occasion.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Acerra, Italy, May 23, 2026. The pope was visiting the so-called \u201cLand of Fires\u201d near Naples where illegal waste dumping has created a yearslong health crisis. | Credit: Daniel Ib\u00e1\u00f1ez\/EWTN News<\/p>\n
“Today we wish to fulfill Pope Francis\u2019 desire, recognizing the great gift that the encyclical Laudato Si\u2019 has represented for the Church\u2019s mission in this land,” the Holy Father said.<\/p>\n
“Indeed, the cry of creation and of the poor among you has been felt most dramatically due to a deadly concentration of shadowy interests and indifference toward the common good \u2014 forces that have poisoned both the natural and social environments,” he said, adding: “It is a cry that calls for conversion!\u201d <\/p>\n
Di Donna himself recounted the history of the region at the cathedral, stating that the \u201cenvironmental tragedy\u201d began in the 1980s, \u201cwhen certain industrialists in the north needed to dispose of vast quantities of toxic waste.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the span of roughly 30 years, hundreds of thousands of tons of toxic waste arrived from numerous industries across northern Italy, only to be dumped in a specific part of this territory,\u201d the bishop said. <\/p>\n
The environmental crisis triggered \u201ca collapse of the agricultural industry,\u201d the bishop said, describing the \u201cTerra dei Fuochi\u201d label as \u201ca mark of infamy for our region.\u201d <\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV told the assembly he had come to listen to those in the region who have lost loved ones to the environmental devastation. The pope said he also wished to \u201cthank those who have responded to evil with good.\u201d <\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV greets crowds in Acerra, Italy, May 23, 2026. The pope was visiting the so-called \u201cLand of Fires\u201d near Naples where illegal waste dumping has created a yearslong health crisis. | Credit: Daniel Ib\u00e1\u00f1ez\/EWTN News<\/p>\n
\u201cWe suffer because of the devastation that has compromised a marvelous ecosystem \u2014 places, histories, and memories,\u201d the pope said. <\/p>\n
\u201cFaced with this reality, there are two possible attitudes: indifference or responsibility,\u201d he continued. \u201cYou have chosen responsibility, and \u2014 with God\u2019s help \u2014 you have embarked upon a path of commitment and the pursuit of justice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan these lands come back to life?\u201d the pope continued. \u201cBe the answer yourselves: a united community, in faith and in commitment. Then life will multiply.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope was scheduled to return to Rome after his visit to Acerra, located a little over 130 miles southeast of Rome. The Holy Father also met with civic leaders and local residents of Acerra. <\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n