There are days dedicated to prayer and to contemplation and the Catholic Church, under the new Pope Francis, is making climate change a priority of the Church’s reinvention. September 1 was designated “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.” It is an initiative that the Church is running from September through until October, and Pope Francis released a message appealing to Catholics and other Christian groups’ faith in the struggle to save our environment from human-made climate change.
With this Message, I renew my dialogue with “every person living on this planet” (Laudato Si’, 3) about the sufferings of the poor and the devastation of the environment. God gave us a bountiful garden, but we have turned it into a polluted wasteland of “debris, desolation and filth” (ibid., 161). We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behaviour. “Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right” (ibid., 33).
Global warming continues, due in part to human activity: 2015 was the warmest year on record, and 2016 will likely be warmer still. This is leading to ever more severe droughts, floods, fires and extreme weather events. Climate change is also contributing to the heart-rending refugee crisis. The world’s poor, though least responsible for climate change, are most vulnerable and already suffering its impact.
Pope Francis appeals through the classic tenets of Catholicism, citing humanity’s sins against the planet and need for atonement. It may not be your cup of tea, but for many millions indoctrinated with guilt and talk of sin, this appeal is meaningful and better directed.
Examining our consciences, repentance and confession to our Father who is rich in mercy lead to a firm purpose of amendment. This in turn must translate into concrete ways of thinking and acting that are more respectful of creation. For example: “avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, separating refuse, cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, planting trees, turning off unnecessary lights, or any number of other practices” (Laudato Si’, 211). We must not think that these efforts are too small to improve our world. They “call forth a goodness which, albeit unseen, inevitably tends to spread” and encourage “a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption” (ibid., 212, 222).
This is good news for environmental activism and we can applaud the Catholic Church and Pope Francis for their work in this department without condoning their other, egregious failures. Below is the very Catholic video promoting this initiative.