Integral Ecology has intrigued and motivated many forms of theological and now institutional inquiry. This talk will look at how the concept of IE is constructed and will focus especially on its institutionalization in several contexts, including ecclesialsponsored educational programs as well as connections with the Vatican Observatory and the newly-established Borgo Castel Gandolfo that will be open to the public for the Jubilee Year of 2025. The aim of this talk is to think about the benefits and limitations of Integral Ecology and how its promotion by the Vatican links to a range of historical developments in Catholic theology and science.

Christiana Zenner, PhD is Associate Professor of Theology, Science, and Ethics and Affiliated Faculty in Environmental Studies at Fordham University, New York City. The author of Just Water: Theology, Ethics, and Fresh Water Crises, Dr. Zenner, co-editor of two volumes on bioethics, science and society, and sustainability, has just finished writing her next book, Beyond Laudato Sí. Her talk today reflects some of the site visits and research she conducted for that book.