Statement of Bishop Daniel E. Thomas Regarding Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum
On this Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis released today his new Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum (“Praise God”), a follow-up to his 2015 Encyclical Laudato Si’ (“Praise be to you”), emphasizing once again the relationship between human activity and its effects on the environment, and underlining the urgent need to personally, as a nation, and as a world, look at the ecological outcome of our actions. The Holy Father, writing to all people of goodwill, emphasizes that the climate crisis can only truly be addressed through ‘personal changes, cultural changes, alliances, global agreements, and multilateralism with real authority…and walking together in the same direction.’
In reading this accessible document, one can more fully understand that the protection of the environment is not optional but is part of the work given to us as persons made in God’s image and likeness and stewards of His creation. As Pope Francis cites the Bishops of the United States: ‘our care for one another and our care for the earth are intimately bound together. Climate change is one of the principal challenges facing society and the global community. The effects of climate change are borne by the most vulnerable people, whether at home or around the world.’ All Catholics and all people of goodwill are invited to read the text, consider the challenge Pope Francis puts forth, and continue the dialogue that he began in 2015.
Posted October 4, 2023 at 2:46 pm