Laudato Si

Bringing Laudato Si' to Life

Pope Francis released his highly anticipated encyclical letter Laudato Si’ – Praise be to you on June 18, in Rome. This Encyclical calls on every person living on this planet to care for creation, our common home, and take collective action as we face global environmental degradation. It offers a unique opportunity for the Catholic community to enter into dialogue on important social and environmental issues, such as fossil fuel consumption and climate change.

Jacqui Remond, Director of Catholic Earthcare Australia, joyfully received the Pope’s Encyclical. She said, “Laudato si’ is an inspiration and a game-changer. It offers us in Australia a powerful moral and spiritual imperative for environmental and social action. This encyclical calls on us all to embrace a new lifestyle that respects all of creation, and asks our leaders to commit to effective global agreements.”

What exactly is an encyclical?

Encyclicals get their name from the Greek word for circle, or circular. They are important letters from the Pope that help everyone better understand how to apply the teachings of Sacred Scripture and Catholic Tradition to a particular issue (in this case, the environment).

What are the key messages in Laudato Si’? The question at the heart of Laudato si’ is “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” (paragraph 160). This question is explored in numerous ways through the key themes in Pope Francis’ Encyclical.

Themes in Laudato Si’ The intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet

  • The conviction that everything in the world is connected
  • The critique of new paradigms and forms of power derived from technology
  • The call to seek other ways of understanding the economy and progress
  • The value proper to each creature
  • The human meaning of ecology
  • The need for forthright and honest debate
  • The serious responsibility of international and local policy
  • The throwaway culture and the proposal of a new lifestyle (paragraph 16