In his recent Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, Pope Francis invites us to reflect deeply on our responsibility as caretakers of our planet. Drawing inspiration from the ecological principles of St. Francis of Assisi, who epitomized evangelical poverty and care for all of God’s creation, Pope Francis builds upon his earlier work, Laudato Si’, urging us to take serious steps in our role as stewards of the Earth, our common home.
St. Francis’ timeless message to “Praise God for all his creatures” resonates as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to love and safeguard not only humanity but the entire tapestry of existence. Eight years after his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis, in Laudate Deum, acknowledges that our collective response has fallen short of addressing the environmental crisis, with the world teetering on the brink of irreparable damage.
The climate crisis can no longer be denied. Despite the naysayers, the signs are increasingly evident. The concentration of greenhouse gases and the rise of global temperature has had an accelerated increase in the past 50 years which have seen extreme weather phenomena such as heat and cold waves, as well as super typhoons or hurricanes. Undoubtedly, climate change is caused by human activities.
In Laudate Deum, the Holy Father affirmed that the climate crisis is a global social concern linked with the dignity of human life. He mentioned the US bishops who rightly assert that “our care for one another and our care for the Earth are inseparable, as the effects of climate change disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations worldwide. Moreover, the urgency of this matter is underscored by the African bishops who boldly state that climate change is a “tragic and striking example of structural sin.” The past eight years have only intensified the gravity of the situation, demanding immediate and collective action.
For the past three decades, our own Filipino bishops have issued pastoral letters and statements on ecology, starting with the groundbreaking document “What is Happening to Our Beautiful Land?” in 1988. In their 2019 pastoral letter, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines made an urgent call for ecological conversion in the face of climate emergency. More and more, we must confront the consequences of our actions and think about the legacy we will leave behind.
The New City Day held last October 29, 2023 at Mariapolis Peace in Tagaytay exemplifies a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. The program recognized individuals committed to the care of the environment and the people, such as Gary Rosales, an advocate for coastal preservation, Choie Funk, an architect-professor creating a community space along an estero (tidal channel) in Manila, and Fr. Warren Puno, a priest in the struggle to defend natural environments threatened by coal-powered plants and deforestation.
However, the noble endeavors of these eco-warriors are not without peril. Fr. Warren and Gary Rosales are both facing threats for their unwavering commitment to environmental protection. Their courage in this advocacy has created increased awareness of the growing need for collective efforts and a broader political commitment, echoing Pope Francis’s plea for major political decisions on the national and international level.
Pope Francis urges us to “accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world which is our home, and a commitment to make it more beautiful” (LD #69). He acknowledges the necessity for honesty, emphasizing that the most effective solutions require major political decisions. The call is not just for individual efforts but a global collaboration to address the pressing issues we face.
Adding depth to this urgent call is Pope Francis’ recognition of St. Thérèse of Lisieux as a doctor of synthesis in another apostolic exhortation, C’est la Confiance (The title is taken from the words of a letter of St. Thérèse ̶ “It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love”). In a world consumed by external pursuits, Pope Francis extols the value of internal transformation. St. Thérèse exemplifies the beauty of making one’s life a gift, combating the superficial and glorifying the radicalism of the Gospel.
Amidst a backdrop of inhumanity and a bleak future, the figures of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thérèse of Lisieux offer us a timeless example of Gospel fraternity and simplicity. Their legacy encourages us to embark on a collective journey to save the Earth, reminding us that through love, trust, and abandonment, we can move beyond the legalistic constraints that threaten to stifle the joy of the Gospel.
In conclusion, Laudate Deum serves as a clarion call for urgent action, challenging us to reassess our priorities and commit to a collective, global effort. The examples of modern-day defenders of the environment, coupled with the timeless wisdom of the saints, guide us on a path toward ecological stewardship and the preservation of the Earth, our common home.
