Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice

Pope Francis has called upon everyone to embark on a seven-year journey towards integral ecology. This call is open to individuals, parishes, organizations and universities. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a global network allowing everyone a chance to collaborate and share their progress.

In the fall of 2022, President Petillo officially responded to this call and Sacred Heart University is now on the University Pathway alongside other universities to work towards responding to the “cry of the earth,” and the “cry of the poor." Since then, a dedicated committee of faculty, staff and students has worked tirelessly to implement campus-wide initiatives grounded in an inclusive Catholic spirituality and a deep concern for environmental and social justice. In recognition of this growing work and its significance for our university mission, the Laudato Si’ Initiative officially became the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice in 2025.

Mission Statement

At SHU, the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice (LSOSSJ) commits to nurturing an “ecological conversion” among all community members–students, faculty and staff–inspired by Pope Francis’ call to awaken a profound respect and care for our common home through comprehensive spiritual and intellectual formation.

Vision Statement

To establish SHU as the leading Catholic university in the Northeast, promoting conferences, projects and initiatives that implement Pope Francis’ call to action both here on campus, across the university and in collaboration with Catholic colleges and universities in the region.

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