Pope Leo XIV calls for ecological conversion and support for contemplative life At his Nov. 19 general audience, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to \u201cconnect faith with reality,\u201d saying that the death and resurrection of Christ form the foundation of an integral ecology and the Christian call to care for creation. \u201cThe death and resurrection of Jesus, therefore, are the foundation of a spirituality of integral ecology, without which the words of faith remain unconnected to reality and the words of science remain outside the heart,\u201d he said. Continuing his catechesis series on the Resurrection and the challenges of the contemporary world, the pope rooted his reflection in the Gospel of John, which recounts that Mary Magdalene did not immediately recognize the risen Christ at the empty tomb, mistaking him for the gardener. That detail, he said, highlights the continuous \u201cturning\u201d of conversion. \u201cThe fact that Mary turned that Easter morning is a sign of this: Only through conversion upon conversion do we pass from this valley of tears to the new Jerusalem,\u201d he said. Cultivating and caring for the garden, the pope added, is the original task brought to fulfillment by Jesus. \u201cHis last word on the cross \u2014 \u2018It is finished\u2019 \u2014 invites each one to rediscover that same task, our task.\u201d If the human person is not a caretaker of the garden, he warned, \u201che becomes its destroyer,\u201d citing Laudato Si\u2019 on the need for a contemplative gaze upon creation. The pope said Christian hope responds to the ecological and social challenges facing humanity, recognizing the Crucified One as the seed \u201cplaced in the garden\u201d to rise and bear abundant fruit. Many people today, he observed, including young people, \u201chave heard the cry of the poor and of the earth, allowing their hearts to be touched.\u201d \u201cThese challenges cannot be faced alone,\u201d he said, adding that tears \u201care a gift of life when they purify our eyes and free our sight. Paradise is not lost, but found.\u201d Appeal for the \u2018survival and continuity\u2019 of contemplative life During the same audience, Pope Leo issued a strong appeal for concrete Church-wide support for communities of contemplative life, calling their mission \u201csilent, fruitful, and irreplaceable.\u201d He recalled that on Nov. 21, the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Italy will celebrate \u201cPro Orantibus\u201d Day dedicated to those who consecrate their lives to prayer. He urged Catholics not to let contemplative men and women lack \u201cthe concrete solidarity and effective help of the ecclesial community to ensure the survival and continuity of their silent, fruitful, and irreplaceable apostolate.\u201d Prayers for fishermen and a look ahead to 2026 The pope also noted that World Fisheries Day will be celebrated Friday, entrusting all who work at sea to Mary: \u201cMay Mary, Star of the Sea, protect fishermen and their families.\u201d Looking to the future, he highlighted a Vatican event for children scheduled for Sept. 25\u201327, 2026, saying he looks forward to \u201cthe joy of meeting them.\u201d As he concluded the audience, the pope greeted young people, the sick, and newlyweds. He reminded the faithful that the Church will celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King this Sunday, urging newly married couples to place Christ \u201cat the center of your matrimonial journey.\u201d This story was first published in two parts by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Victoria Cardiel Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope Francis celebrates World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly PHOTOS: Pope Francis prays the rosary in F\u00e1tima with young people with disabilities Vatican secretary of state says Ukraine\u2019s military advances into Russia are \u2018worrying\u2019 Women to Play an Important Role in the Synod on Synodality Jerusalem churches face mounting tax pressures under Israel\u2019s \u2018Arnona\u2019 property levy Vatican News: Pope Francis’ Encounters, Religious Freedom, and Sexual Abuse in Focus<\/p>\n