Mass for the Care of Creation

In July 2025, Pope Leo XIV approved and ordered the promulgation of a new Mass formulary, Missa pro Custodia Creationis ("For the Care of Creation"), adding it to the Roman Missal among the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions. The new formulary was developed in response to the Church's growing emphasis on care for creation and builds upon the theological foundations articulated in Laudato Si'. The decree authorizing the new Mass was issued by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on June 8, 2025, the Solemnity of Pentecost. 

The Church in the United States has received approval by decree of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on August 4, 2026 (Prot. n. 447/26) for use in the dioceses of the United States of America. This new formulary offers the faithful an opportunity to gather in prayer, giving thanks for God's gift of creation and seeking the grace to exercise responsible stewardship of the earth and its resources.

About the Mass

The Mass for the Care of Creation highlights important themes found throughout Sacred Scripture and Catholic social teaching:

• Gratitude for the gift of creation
• Recognition of humanity's role as stewards of God's creation
• Prayer for the protection and renewal of the environment
• Solidarity with communities affected by environmental degradation and natural disasters
• Commitment to responsible care for the earth for present and future generations

The texts invite the faithful to deepen their relationship with the Creator by reflecting on the beauty of creation and the responsibility entrusted to humanity to cultivate and protect it.

Resources

English Liturgical Texts    Sample Universal Prayers     Textos litúrgicos en español     Ejemplo de Oración de los fieles      Các văn bản phụng vụ tiếng Việt     Mẫu Lời nguyện tín hữu    

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation will be observed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Because September 1 is celebrated liturgically as a weekday in Ordinary Time, the Roman Missal permits the celebration of any Mass for Various Needs and Occasions, including the newly approved Mass for the Care of Creation. Parishes and communities are encouraged to consider this Mass as a fitting way to unite prayer, reflection, and action in response to the Church's call to care for our common home. It may also be used at other times when the liturgical day permits the choice of a Mass for Various Needs and Occasions.