Laudate Si’: initial thoughts
Care for our common home
Tom Rouse
The new encyclical letter, with six chapters, is a powerful voice and an urgent plea. Pope Francis begins by insisting he is in continuity with his papal predecessors, that his concerns are shared by many scientists, philosophers, theologians and other Christian leaders, and that what he says resonates with the spirit of the great saint and his namesake of Assisi.
He begins by explaining what is happening to the earth by looking, for example, at the effects of pollution and climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Next, he looks at what is happening from the perspective of the Judaeo-Christian tradition. He then investigates some of the causes of today’s ecological crisis. This follows with his proposal for a new vision he calls ‘integral ecology’ based on the argument ‘everything is closely interrelated’ (137). He then suggests lines of approach and action based on the principles of dialogue. Finally, he proposes a process of ‘ecological education and spirituality’.
Never before has a papal encyclical aroused such intense world-wide media attention and this began well before it was officially published. Very soon after its release, there were statements from Ban ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, and US President Obama. Numerous other political and religious leaders have also made public their views.
The document includes a quotation from the New Zealand Bishops’ Conference. This is to the credit of the local conference who, as quoted by Francis, ‘asked what the commandment “Thou shalt not kill’ means when “twenty per cent of the world’s population consumes resources at a rate that robs the poor nations and future generations of what they need to survive”. (95)
I believe this letter should and could easily become the basis of a weekly-reflection programme, for use among small groups of Christians and others who are concerned about the environment.
I hope there would be some who would have the creativity and energy to produce a booklet to help with this. In this way, this encyclical will receive the attention it deserves and we will contribute more effectively to the challenge to take ‘care of our common home’.
Fr Tom Rouse lives and works at the Columban Mission, Lower Hutt.
Challenge, hope in encyclical
Lisa Beech, Caritas
Pope Francis gives both challenge and hope to the world in his latest encyclical. Caritas Director Julianne Hickey says the Pope addresses his letter to all people, seeking dialogue and reminding us of our shared responsibility for safeguarding our common home, so all can live in dignity, and be especially mindful of future generations and today’s poor.
He hasn’t flinched from acknowledging the immensity and urgency of responding to environmental degradation fac
ed by many people, especially the poorest. Pope Francis highlights the lack of information and awareness of environmental problems that affect the poorest and most excluded. In our region we hear this first hand through listening to grassroots voices in Oceania.
The encyclical is critical of international efforts in addressing climate change, said Mrs Hickey. ‘The Pope calls for bold solutions that look beyond national interests or short-term political cycles. He recognises a greater responsibility on the part of wealthier and more powerful countries whose development has already benefitted from use of fossil fuels and natural resources.
‘Caritas welcomes the challenge he has thrown in questioning market-based, technical solutions such as carbon credits.’
This year the global community has a significant opportunity to make a difference through three international conferences on sustainable development, climate change and development finance. ‘This is a critical moment for New Zealand to look beyond our own self-interest and domestic politics, and to be a bold leader in seeking the global common good.’