Pope Francis — the first pope ever from the western or southern hemisphere — is certainly proving to be a breath of fresh air. His latest encyclical demonstrates it yet again.
[Read it here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
For instance,
“13. The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Here I want to recognize, encourage and thank all those striving in countless ways to guarantee the protection of the home which we share. Particular appreciation is owed to those who tirelessly seek to resolve the tragic effects of environmental degradation on the lives of the world’s poorest. Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the sufferings of the excluded.
“14. I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. The worldwide ecological movement has already made considerable progress and led to the establishment of numerous organizations committed to raising awareness of these challenges. Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest. Obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions. We require a new and universal solidarity. As the bishops of Southern Africa have stated: “Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation”. [22] All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.
“15. It is my hope that this Encyclical Letter, which is now added to the body of the Church’s social teaching, can help us to acknowledge the appeal, immensity and urgency of the challenge we face.”
Do take a few moments and read it. At least scan it. It isn’t long, and it’s full of meat.
Yes, this is very powerful commentary. Pope Francis is a tremendous loving being. When he took the name Francis, I wondered about his larger connection with St. Francis of Assisi. In the referenced encyclical he speaks with such reverence about St. Francis whose name he says he took as his guide and inspiration. He says St Francis shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.
I suspect there may be a large bundle of “St. Francis strands” in the consciousness of Pope Francis.
Thank you for sharing Frank.
Karla
You say, “I suspect there may be a large bundle of “St. Francis strands” in the consciousness of Pope Francis” and something within me says “of course!” I just hadn’t happened to think of it. I think you’re right.