In a new encyclical, Pope Francis has acknowledged “very solid scientific consensus” that humans are causing climate change that is endangering the planet.
In Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home, released on June 18, Francis urged the world to embark upon a revolutionary ethical rethink and change of heart in its relationship with the earth.
The encyclical letter also lambasted global political leaders for their “weak responses” to the issue.
The document also shows a reorientation of the Church’s understanding of the human person, from a being that dominates to one that responsibly serves creation.
Human life, the Pope wrote, is grounded by three relationships – those between God, neighbour and earth.
“We are not God,” he wrote.
“The earth was here before us and it has been given to us.”
The encyclical rejects the belief that population control is the solution to environmental problems.
It also cites abortion as part of the throwaway mentality that has damaged the planet.
The title Laudato Si’ comes from St. Francis of Assisi’s famous 13th-century prayer “The Canticle of the Creatures”.
In English, it translates as “Be praised” or “Praised be”.
The encyclical is addressed to every person on earth.
Among other main issues and themes touched upon by the letter:
- Environmental degradation causing lack of access to drinking water, loss of biodiversity, and decline in quality of human life;
- Global inequity that leaves billions experiencing “ecological debt”;
- The search for long-term solutions to replace fossil fuels and other unsustainable energy sources;
- Linking the ecological crisis with a global social crisis that leaves the poorest in the world behind and does not make them part of international decision-making;
- Changes in global lifestyle that could “bring healthy pressure to bear on those who wield political, economic and social power”.
The encyclical cites reports from bishops’ conferences around the world, including a 2006 document by New Zealand’s bishops.
The president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, Cardinal John Dew, welcomed the encyclical, noting its emphases on urgency, life and hope.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand director Julianne Hickey said: ““We welcome and accept the wero (challenge) [the Pope] gives to all of us to take urgent and radical action to protect our planet and its people.”
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