On the sunny morning of Sept. 5, Pope Leo XIV walked the lush formal gardens, fed the fish and petted the horses at Castel Gandolfo as part of the inauguration of Borgo Laudato Si’ at the historic papal retreat in Italy.

A newly built circular greenhouse, reminiscent of Bernini’s curved colonnade in St. Peter’s Square, and two new buildings, all topped with solar panels, make up the heart of Borgo Laudato Si’, a project dedicated to promoting integral ecology, sustainability and a circular and generative economy.

The Borgo, which means “village” or “hamlet” in Italian, extends over 85 acres of gardens and 50 acres of farmland, and is home to cows, horses, donkeys, chickens and other domesticated animals.

Borgo Laudato Si’ has strong Chicago connections, as local restaurateurs Phil Stefani and chef Art Smith are behind the sole restaurant and catering establishment at the center. Stefani owns the Tavern on Rush in Chicago, and Smith has been the personal chef for Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga.

There is another archdiocesan connection with Father Manuel Dorantes, a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago, serving as director of Borgo Laudato Si’.

During a press conference held at the same time as Pope Leo inaugurated the center in Italy, Stefani told media that this is an opportunity to share Chicago with the world.

“I’m a Catholic. It obviously means everything to me, but it goes back to giving back to a city that’s given me everything,” he said.

This will be the only dining concept and exclusive catering service provider on the estate, slated to open next spring. The menu will focus on farm-to-table Italian cuisine, complemented by touches of global cuisine including Chicago and Peruvian influences. Guests will also enjoy guided tours, a marketplace, and immersive ecological and cultural experiences amid one of Italy’s most historic estates.

“This was Pope Francis’ vision to build this place. It’s all about sustainability,” Stefani said. “All our food is going to come from the grounds.”

The center is open to everyone and it will feature educational programs for students of all ages and from all over the world, and retreats for business leaders desiring to adhere more closely to the Catholic principles of caring for creation and protecting human dignity.