Loyola Faculty Members Discuss Integral Ecology at an International Gathering in Rome 

In the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis called for the world to take action to protect the natural ecosystems and adopt a worldview of an integral ecology that recognizes the connections between sustainability and social justice. Loyola University Chicago is a leader among Catholic universities working to answer this call. This June, Loyola faculty members presented at an international conference that brought leaders from Catholic institutions together to discuss the challenges of putting integral ecology into practice.  

The conference was titled “Transitioning to Integral Ecology, Transdisciplinary Approaches for Grounding and Implementation of a Holistic Worldview.” It took place in Rome at the first institution founded by the Jesuits, Pontifical Gregorian University, established in 1556. The event facilitated discussion about the concepts within Laudato Si’ and the meaning of integral ecology. Participants also discussed strategies and best practices for translating these concepts into action for our future and our shared home.  

On June 6, the conference focused on the natural and scientific dimensions of integral ecology. Nancy Tuchman, founding dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability, spoke about science and ethics during a showcase of best practices. She presented alongside speakers from the Presidency of the Republic of Argentina, the University of Oxford, and Columban Missionaries. 

Michael Schuck, professor of theology and environmental sustainability, gave an introductory keynote on the ethical, philosophical, and theological dimensions of integral ecology on Wednesday, June 8. On June 7, both faculty members participated in sessions discussing socioeconomic and cultural issues.

The full event program and presenter profiles are available on the conference website.