LAUDATO SI'

Change is bound to happen and we can not stop it, but how can we possibly keep up with it if is occurring at such a fast pace? The earth is degrading in almost every aspect. Laudato Si' By Pope Francis, is a wake up call. A call for us to realize the destruction we are causing to the place we call home. A call for humanity to recognize the harm we are causing to others. He writes, "Our goal is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it" [19]. We are in dire need of a transformation, but we can not do it alone. We must take "unified global action". 

One specific passage from the encyclical that was particularly interesting to me was from paragraph I. Pollution and Climate Change. Both pollution and climate change have become great threat to mankind. Not only is it a problem within our country, climate change is an issue globally. Our unhealthy relationship with technology is making it difficult for us to acknowledge the negative side effects of global warming. Pope Francis states, "Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it"[23]. The build up of gases in the atmosphere, caused by human activity, will leave detrimental effects on the environment. The rapid increase of global warming will greatly affect disadvantaged communities, as they already struggle with receiving equal protection from environmental hazards. Unfortunately, many of us fail to recognize the disproportionate effects that climate change has on those who are poor. He also states, "Our lack of response to these tragedies involving our brothers and sisters points to the loss of that sense of responsibility for our fellow men and women upon which all civil society is founded"[25]. We can no longer sit back and mask these problems, we have to face them head on. We need to grasp an understanding that "we are one single human family".

Ecological education, community action, and morals/ethics are all called upon by Pope Francis. Economic value should not be our only focus and purpose in this world. We have to take notice that all creatures on earth are connected in some way. Therefore, we must cherish and respect every bit and piece of the environment. Each and everyone of us must gain an understanding about the quality of life. He says, "We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it"[229].  

Question for Dr. Tom Dickens, Siena Professor of Religious Studies: Are there any parts of Laudato Si' that you disagree with. If so, why? Also, is there anything missing from Laudato Si' that you would like Pope Francis to discuss?