12. What is more, Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to
see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants
us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness. “Through the greatness
and the beauty of creatures one comes to know by analogy their maker” (Wis 13:5); indeed, “his eternal power and divinity have been made known through his works since the creation of the world” (Rom
1:20). For this reason, Francis asked that part of the friary garden
always be left untouched, so that wild flowers and herbs could grow
there, and those who saw them could raise their minds to God, the
Creator of such beauty.[21] Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise.
My appeal
13. The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Here I want to recognize, encourage and thank all those striving in countless ways to guarantee the protection of the home which we share. Particular appreciation is owed to those who tirelessly seek to resolve the tragic effects of environmental degradation on the lives of the world’s poorest. Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the sufferings of the excluded.
14. I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. The worldwide ecological movement has already made considerable progress and led to the establishment of numerous organizations committed to raising awareness of these challenges. Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest. Obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions. We require a new and universal solidarity. As the bishops of Southern Africa have stated: “Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation”. [22] All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.
The beauty of faith is that it does bring together the facts of the world in which we live and connects it to the emotional centers of morality.
The scientists of the IPCC could not be better. They have brought facts and written the outcomes to continued emissions of greenhouse gases in Earth's processes.
The politicians divide in opposition of the environmental threat of greenhouse gas emissions. And why do they divide on this vital issue? The petroleum companies pay them off. It is just that simple. Morality is traded on a regular basis for money and power.
It is the religious leaders that have our back. They love the people, the quality of their lives and in the case of Pope Francis, love the problems of the people.
My appeal
13. The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Here I want to recognize, encourage and thank all those striving in countless ways to guarantee the protection of the home which we share. Particular appreciation is owed to those who tirelessly seek to resolve the tragic effects of environmental degradation on the lives of the world’s poorest. Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the sufferings of the excluded.
14. I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. The worldwide ecological movement has already made considerable progress and led to the establishment of numerous organizations committed to raising awareness of these challenges. Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest. Obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions. We require a new and universal solidarity. As the bishops of Southern Africa have stated: “Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation”. [22] All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.
The beauty of faith is that it does bring together the facts of the world in which we live and connects it to the emotional centers of morality.
The scientists of the IPCC could not be better. They have brought facts and written the outcomes to continued emissions of greenhouse gases in Earth's processes.
The politicians divide in opposition of the environmental threat of greenhouse gas emissions. And why do they divide on this vital issue? The petroleum companies pay them off. It is just that simple. Morality is traded on a regular basis for money and power.
It is the religious leaders that have our back. They love the people, the quality of their lives and in the case of Pope Francis, love the problems of the people.
