Climate Change, Concern for the Poor, Natural Order of Things

The 184-page message of Pope Francis came out on June 18. His encyclical titled “Laudato Si,” or “Praise Be to You” – talks about taking effective care of God’s creation that should go hand in hand with the protection of human dignity and morality. According to Pope Francis, the word “creation” has a broader meaning than nature, since it also deals with God’s plan, in which every creature has its own value and significance (The Varsitarian, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, vol. LXXXVI, July 30, 2015).

On climate change Pope Francis called for a radical transformation of politics, economics and individual lifestyles to confront environmental degradation and climate change. He also mentioned that consumerism and irresponsible development had added up to the destruction of nature. His prayer was for a unified global action. He added that reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology and political shortsightedness are to blame. He said that if corrective action is not taken swiftly, an unprecedented destruction of ecosystems will pose serious consequence to all of us. He writes, “Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.”

Concern for the poor

Pope Francis argued that care for the environment would be impossible without working to defend human life and dignity as this brings about deep communion with nature, which requires “tenderness, compassion, and concern” for humanity. To him, the most vulnerable victims in this present situation are the world’s poorest people. He said, “It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted.”

Natural order of things

The Holy Father spoke about family and gender identity. He empathized that respect for nature also meant respecting human ecology. He said that the human body is a gift from God that should not be manipulated. He encourages respect for the family and valuing one’s own body in its femininity or masculinity.

“Yet all is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start.” Pope Francis