On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis published Laudato sí’ (on care for our common home). The landmark encyclical was the first to focus on care for creation as a moral obligation, calling on the Church to acknowledge the urgency of environmental challenges. The encyclical was addressed to “every person living on this planet” about how we are shaping the future of our planet. It was also an invitation to embark on a new path together. St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis’ namesake, is held up as “the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically” in the encyclical.
The apostolic exhortation Laudate deum (to all people of good will on the climate crisis), published in 2023, is a follow-up
to Laudato sí’.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement marking the 10th anniversary, which reads in part:
“Over the last decade, Laudato Si’ has inspired the Catholic Church and the world to draw closer in our relationship with Almighty God, the Creator of all life and to care more deeply for our common home. The ever-urgent message of the late Pope Francis asks us, ‘What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?’ (Laudato Si’, no. 160). The USCCB remains committed to advocacy that cares for the most vulnerable and creation, seeking a ‘sustainable and integral development’ that benefits the entire human family (Laudato Si’, no. 13). As we remember the legacy of Pope Francis and heed the call of Pope Leo XIV for peace and unity in our world, I invite the faithful to join in prayer and action during this 10th anniversary year.” (Read in full)
Additional resources
Read Laudato Si’ (Vatican website, multiple languages)
Visit the: Catholic Climate Movement website
From Michigan Catholic Conference:
Publication: Care for Our Common Home: Reflecting on Laudato Si’
Care for our Common Home
