LAUDATO SI Encyclical letter of the Holy Father Pope Francis June 18th 2015 On Care For Our common Home Sr Odile COIRIER Franciscan Missionary of Mary US Province
CHAPTERS 1.WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR COMMON HOME 2. THE GOSPEL OF CREATION 3.THE HUMAN ROOTS OF THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS 4. INTEGRAL ECOLOGY 5. LINES OF APPROACH AND ACTIONS 6. ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY EDUCATION AND
Preamble (1-16) Nothing in this world is indifferent to us Patriarch Bartholomew has drawn attention to the ethical and spiritual roots of environmental problems. Saint Francis of Assisi: an example par excellence Concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, inner peace: everything is interconnected!
Pope Francis and his vision of Francis of Assisi Guide and inspiration Integral ecology Mystic and pilgrim Universal brother
Catholic Social Teaching Pacem in Terris Octogesima Adveniens (May 14th, 1971) n 21 Redemptoris Hominis (March 4th, 1979) n 15 Centesimus annus (may 1st, 1991) n 37, 38, 58 Sollicitudo rei socialis n 34 Caritas in Veritate n 51 Pope Francis was inspired by the thoughts of his predecessors
Address at the environmental symposium Santa Barbara,November 8th, 1997 «For humans to cause species to become extinct and to destroy the biological diversity of God's creation, for humans to degrade the integrity of Earth by causing changes in its climate, by stripping the Earth of its natural forests, or destroying its wetlands. for humans to injure other humans with disease, for humans to contaminate the Earth's waters, its land, its air, and its life, with poisonous substances, these are sins.» During the last two decades, the world has witnessed a severe degradation of the environment - climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution of resources naturelles- with the failure of the implementation of environmental laws and an even greater gap between the rich and the poor. In his new book, Patriarch Bartholomew has continually proclaimed the primacy of spiritual values in determining environmental ethics and action. For him, the difficult situation that we face is not primarily an environmental issue, but spiritual fact: the primary goal is to see all things in God and God in all things. Patriarch Bartholomew 1 st
Pope Francis s appeal The urgent need to protect our common home Appeal for a new dialogue Young people demand change A new universal solidarity
Care for creation, a franciscan spirituality for the Earth, by Ilia Delio O.S.F., Keith Douglass Warner O.F.M. and Pamela Wood (Feb 26, 2008) God in creation: a new theology of Creation and the Spirit of God, Mottmann Jurgen The Tao of liberation: exploring the ecology of transformation, Leonardo Boff and Mark Hathaway The Universe story, Brian Swimme and Thomas Berry
QUESTIONS 1. Saint Francis of Assisi has been called the patron saint of the environment. What is it about him that is appealing to you? 2. Where have you seen harm inflicted on Sister Earth? 3. Pope Francis concludes his introduction with an appeal. What is your response?
CHAPTER ONE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR COMMON HOME (17-99)
I. Pollution and climate change
Nostalgia of bygone landscapes THE EARTH: AN IMMENSE PILE OF FILTH?
A deficient model of production. does not enable us to «preserve resources for present and future generations» 22
Natural ecosystems: an examplary model
Green plants are the basis for the functioning of continental ecosystems
Planet boundaries
«The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all» Atmosphere Greenhouse gas Solar radiation Human activities volcanism floe ocean river Biospher Continental surface
Global problem with grave implications Environmental Scarcity of water Floods, droughts Loss of biodiversity Social Food scarcity Migrations Health degradation climate change Economic Scarcity of natural resources Financial cost for adaptation Increased poverty Political Political instability Wars, conflicts
II. THE ISSUE OF WATER «Access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for the exercise of other human rights. Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity.» (30) Probably, major source of conflict in this century.
III. LOSS OF BIODIVERSTY «Species have value in themselves they give glory to God by their very existence 33 «Caring for ecosystems demands far-sightedness» 36 The earth s resources are also being plundered because of short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production.32
«We insert ourselves in this adventure that continues over distances of billions of light-years; we are the children of a universe that has fifteen billion years to put us in the world». Hubert Reeves
IV. DECLINE IN THE QUALITY OF HUMAN LIFE AND THE BREAKDOWN OF SOCIETY Effects on environment degradation Urban life Model of development Technological Innovations Throwaway culture Isolation = DEHUMANIZATION
V. GLOBAL INEQUALITY «We have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor» 49 Question of population growth Question of ecological debt
VI. WEAK RESPONSES Political power submitted to techno-economic paradigm Leadership without vision Speculation and pursuit of financial gain Failure of global summits on the environment
report of the Intergovernemental Panel on Climate Change https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-r report/ar5 Cry of the Earth, cry of the Poor, Leonardo Boff Our world in transition, Diarmuid O Murchu
QUESTIONS 1. How has pollution affected you personally? 2. What does the pope mean by a «throwaway culture»? Do you agree with him? Why? 3. The pope says that «access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right». Yet many poor people do no have access to it. Why is this? What can be done? 4. a) What are the effects of the environmental deterioration on people s lives? b) what are the effects of the current models of development on people s lives? c) What are the effects of the throwaway culture on people s lives? 5. Why does the pope think that simply reducing birth rates of the poor is not a just or adequate response to the problem of poverty? 6. A true ecological debt exists, particularly between the global north and south, the pope writes. What does he mean?
CHAPTER TWO THE GOSPEL OF CREATION (62-100)
I. THE LIGHT OFFERED BY FAITH «Christians, especially, know their duties within creation and their duty towards nature and the Creator are an integral part of their faith.» John-Paul II, Message for the celebration of the World Day of Peace, January 1st, 1990
II.THE WISDOM OF THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS Biblical narratives: Gen 1,26, 28,31; Gen 2,15; Gen 3,17-19; Gen 4,9-11; Gen 6,13 human dignity Three fundamental and intertwined relationships: God, our neighbour, the earth «To have dominion over the earth»: controverse Prophets :Jer 32,17.21; Es 40,28-29 Psalms: 136, 148,
III. THE MYSTERY OF THE UNIVERSE Place of the human being in evolution. The phenomenon of man. Mystery of life..
«Because I love the universe, his energies, his secrets, his hopes, and because at the same time, I vowed to God alone Origin, only Issue only term, I want to leave here my exhale love of matter and life, and harmonize where possible with the unique worship of the only absolute and definitive deity.» Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
IV. THE MESSAGE OF EACH CREATURE IN THE HARMONY OF CREATION «God wills the interdependence of creatures. The sun and the moon, the cedar and the little flower, the eagle and the sparrow: the spectacle of their countless diversities and inequalities tell us that no creature is self-sufficient. Creatures exist only in dependence on each other, to complete each other, in the service of each other.» Catechism of the Catholic Church, 340
V. A UNIVERSAL COMMUNION «All of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect» 89
VI. THE COMMON DESTINATION OF GOODS «The Church does indeed defend the legitimate right to private property, but she also teaches no less clearly that there is always a social mortgage on all private property, in order that goods may serve the general purpose that God gave them.» Address to Indigenous and Rural People, Cuilapan, Mexico n 6, January 29th, 1979, John Paul II
VII. THE GAZE OF JESUS All things have been created through him and for him. (Col 1,16) Jesus lived in harmony with creation
QUESTIONS 1) How does Pope Francis interpret Genesis 1:28 which grants humankind dominion over the earth? 2) Alongside revelation contained in scripture «there is a divine manifestation in the blaze of the sun and the fall of night», how have you experienced God in creation? 3) What was the attitude of Jesus toward creation? 4) If the ultimate purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us, how can we relate to others in God s plan? 5) How do we concretely apply in our lives the concept of the common destination of goods?
CHAPTER THREE THE HUMAN ROOTS OF THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS (102-136)
I. TECHNOLOGY: CREATIVITY AND POWER Quality of life Plenitude Selfishness Violence Lack of ethics
II. THE GLOBALIZATION OF THE TECHNOCRATIC PARADIGM idea of infinite growth Unlimited resources Cultural alienation Fragmentation of reality Dominion over the economy and politics materialism
«When human consciousness is not responsible for the power, the demons take possession (...): spiritual beings, created good by God, but fallen, separated from him, who have opted for evil and are now determined to lose it. These are the demons that govern the power of man by his seemingly natural instincts but in reality rebels; by his logic apparently so tight but really if suggestible; by selfishness so helpless in all violence. When we consider the history of recent years without rationalistic and naturalistic prejudices, behavior and psychological and spiritual moods speak clearly enough.» Romano Guardini, the End of the Modern World
Realities are more important than ideas «There also exists a constant tension between ideas and realities. Realities simply are, whereas ideas are worked out. There has to be continuous dialogue between the two, lest ideas become detached from realities. It is dangerous to dwell in the realm of words alone, of images and rhetoric. So a third principle comes into play: realities are greater than ideas. This calls for rejecting the various means of masking reality: angelic forms of purity, dictatorships of relativism, empty rhetoric, objectives more ideal than real, brands of ahistorical fundamentalism, ethical systems bereft of kindness, intellectual discourse bereft of wisdom.». Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, 231
Technocratic paradigm Definition of technocraty Etymology: from the Greek techne, art, craft, and kratos, power, authority. Technocracy means a political system dominated by technicians, specialists and experts in decision making. "Technocracy" applies both to the government of a state that the direction of a company. The term "technocracy" is usually used with a negative connotation to denounce some type of power legitimized by technology, as opposed to power legitimized by the people making it incompatible with democracy. The origin of technocracy may result from the presence of more and more technicians and experts from ministries or legislatures, given the number and complexity of cases (economic, legal, scientific...)
III. THE CRISIS AND EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOCENTRISM MODERN PRACTICAL RELATIVISM This practical relativism is to act as if God did not exist, to decide as if the poor did not exist, to dream as if the other did not exist... (Apostolic Exhortation, the joy of the gospel, No. 80 ) narcotrafic modern slavery criminality abortion Exploitation of nature waste sexual exploitation of children
THE NEED TO PROTECT EMPLOYMENT Biblical Foundation (Genesis 2.15; 38.34 ) Spiritual Meaning of Work (Charles de Foucauld, monasticism) Setting for a rich personal growth Societal issue «Man is the source, the focus and the aim of all economic and social life.» Pastoral Constitution of the Church, Gaudium et spes 63
NEW BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES Sciences and technologies should be at the service of others Need for a reflection on Genetic Modification (GM) ethical atttitude needed «We cannot interfere in one area of the ecosystem without paying attention to the consequences of such interferences in other areas.» Message for the 1990 World Day of Peace, 7
QUESTIONS 1 What is Pope Francis view toward technology? What does he mean by the technocratic paradigm? 2. Pope Francis says, «we are too slow in developing economic institutions and social initiatives which can give the poor regular access to basic resources? What does he mean? Why does this happen? 3. Pope Francis asserts that «by itself the market cannot guarantee integral human development and social inclusion». Why does he say this? Do you agree? 4. What are the true and deepest problems of the global system in Pope Francis mind? 5. What does Pope Francis mean by «modern anthropocentrism? 6. Can you define the positive and negative aspects of biological technologies as decribed by the Pope?
CHAPTER FOUR INTEGRAL ECOLOGY (137-162)
I. ENVIRONNEMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ECOLOGY EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED Ecology: Science that focuses on the relationships of living beings (animals, plants, microorganisms) with their environment and with other living beings (Larousse dictionary. Not really I study it Need for a global approach to understand realities, to search for appropriate responses.
The institutions of a society Nation local communities Families Individuals «Every violation of solidarity and civic friendship harms the environment, just as environmental deterioration in turn upsets relations in society.» Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 51
II. CULTURAL ECOLOGY Preservation of cultural patrimony of humanity Rights of peoples and cultures
III. ECOLOGY OF DAILY LIFE CREATIVITY DIGINITY BOND KINDNESS
IV. THE PRINCIPLE OF THE COMMON GOOD «For the Church, the option for the poor is primarily a theological category rather than a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one» Evangelii Guadium, 198 This option is in fact an ethical imperative essential for effectively attaining the common good» 158 «The dignity, unity and equality of all people primarily due to the principle of the common good, to which every aspect of social life must be related to find a sense of fullness. According to its primary and broadly accepted sense, the common good indicates : «This set of social conditions which allow, as groups or as individual members, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily» COMPENDIUM of the social doctrine of the Church 164
V. JUSTICE BETWEEN THE GENERATIONS What a world I want to leave? What is the meaning of my life on this earth? «The environment is part of a logic of receptivity. It is on loan to each generation, which must then hand it on to the next.» Portuguese Bishop s conference, 2003
QUESTIONS 1 Why does Pope Francis argue that «we are faced not with two separate crises, one,environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental? 2 What does it mean «integral ecologgy? How does it work? 3 Why does Pope Francis think it is important for us to understand ecosystems and our relationship to them? 4 What does Pope Francis mean by the «common good»? 5 What is the purpose of our life in this world? Why are we here? What is the goal of all of our works and our efforts? 6 Do you agree with Pope Francis saying that we are facing a cultural and ethical decline?
CHAPTER FIVE LINES OF APPROACH AND ACTION (163-201)
I. DIALOGUE ON ENVIRONMENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY «Think of one world with a common plan» (164) Main Obstacles: Plethora of international treaties No control mechanism National interests prevail Weakened power of States
Global Commons «The recent emergence of the concept of global commons is linked to the inclusion of new issues, notably in a context of globalization, such as climate change, peace or insecurity, etc.» Jérôme Ballet, Propriété, biens publics mondiaux, bien(s) commun(s) : Une lecture des concepts économiques https://developpementdurable.revues.org/5553#tocto1n4 Unlike common good, the concept of global commons introduced fairness and solidarity criteria. The Catholic Church calls urgently a true world political authority. (175)
II. DIALOGUE FOR NEW NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLICIES The local community can make a difference: local development policy développement Drama of political immediacy Citizen empowerment Role of the State: plan, coordinate, protect, sanction in the law and justice Purposes, values? creativity Short-sighted power Short term Vision
Pope Francis Evangelii Gaudium 222,223 «Time is greater than space» (178) A constant tension exists between fullness and limitation. Fullness evokes the desire for complete possession, while limitation is a wall set before us. Broadly speaking, time has to do with fullness as an expression of the horizon which constantly opens before us, while each individual moment has to do with limitation as an expression of enclosure. People live poised between each individual moment and the greater, brighter horizon of the utopian future as the final cause which draws us to itself. Here we see a first principle for progress in building a people: time is greater than space. 222 This principle enables us to work slowly but surely, without being obsessed with immediate results. It helps us patiently to endure difficult and adverse situations, or inevitable changes in our plans. It invites us to accept the tension between fullness and limitation, and to give a priority to time. One of the faults which we occasionally observe in sociopolitical activity is that spaces and power are preferred to time and processes. 223
III. DIALOGUE AND TRANSPARENCY IN DECISION-MAKING Assessment of the environmental impact politic Financial Expert Trade Unions Scientist Lawyer individual
1992 Rio Declaration on environment and development Principle 15: Precautionary approach In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. «The culture of consumerism, which prioritizes short-term gain and private interest, can make it easy to rubber-stamp authorizations or to conceal information.» 184
IV. POLITICS AND ECONOMY IN DIALOGUE FOR HUMAN FULFILMENT «The environment is one of those goods that cannot be adequately safeguarded or promoted by market forces.» 190 Need that politics and economics, in dialogue, resolutely put in Service life 189 Speculation Financial Crisis Virtual wealth Real economy
«This means that technologically advanced societies must be prepared to encourage more sober lifestyles, while reducing their energy consumption and improving its efficiency.» 9 Benedict XIV, World Day of Peace 2010 Degrowth CONVERT THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL Break with a perverse logic
V. RELIGIONS IN DIALOGUE WITH SCIENCE A US think tank has "photographed" population dynamics of the main religious groups across the planet: 84% of the world population is religious in 2010 Need for an open and respectful dialogue
QUESTIONS 1 The word «dialogue» is repeated throughout this chapter. What does it mean and why is it so important? 2 Pope Francis speaks of the need for a global consensus for confronting problems. Why is it needed and how is it going to be achieved? 3 Do you agree when the Pope affirms that «the post-industrial period is the most irresponsible in history? 4 Why are there failures for a worldly response to environmental issues? 5 How does the Pope view the roles and responsabilities of the political powers? 6 What are the roles of religion and science, and how can they communicate and work together? 7 Francis is critical of many business practices, has no faith in the marketplace to safeguard the environment. What about our role in this issue?
CHAPTER SIX ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND SPIRITUALITY (202-246)
I. TOWARDS A NEW LIFESTYLE «I appeal to everyone throughout the world not to forget this dignity which is ours. No one has the right to take it from us.» 205 creativity kindness individualism Authentic freedom compulsif Consumerism truth beauty Lack of identity Violence Vulnerability, insecurity collective selfishness
THE CHARTER OF THE EARTH A CHALLENGE «Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.» (148)
II. EDUCATING FOR THE COVENANT BETWEEN HUMANITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Ecological citizenship Critique of the myths of modernity New habits A leap towards the Transcendent ENVIRONNEMENTAL EDUCATION Ecological conversion A new way of thinking «The family is the heart of the culture of life.» 213
III. ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION «The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion.» 217 Being a Christian is «to live our vocation as protectors of God s handiwork.» 217 «The ecological conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion.» 219 To live with «an interior impulse which encourages, motivates, nourishes and gives meaning to our individual and communal activities.» 216
IV. JOY AND PEACE «Less is more» 222 «Prophetic and contemplative lifestyle.» 222 «Happy soberty is liberating» 223 Give thanks Serene harmony with Creation 225 «Integrity of human life»
V. CIVIC AND POLITICAL LOVE VALUES OF GOODNESS commitment UNIVERSAL FRATERNITY COMMUNION RESPONSABILITY «In order to make society more human, more worthy of the human person, love in social life-political, economic and cultural- must be given renewed value, becoming the constant and hightest norm for all activity.» Compendium de la Doctrine Sociale de l Eglise, 582 EXAMPLE OF ST THERESE Ideal of a civilization of love
VI. SACRAMENTAL SIGNS AND THE CELEBRATION OF REST DISCOVER GOD IN ALL THINGS «Contemplation deepens the more we feel the working of God s grace within our hearts, and better we learn to encounter God in creatures outside ourselves.» 160 St Bonaventure «Prejudice should not have us criticize those who seek ecstasy in music or poetry. There is a subtle mystery in each of the movements and sounds of this world.» Ali al-khawwaç
Nature become mediation of surnatural life Liturgy and culte Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, the «first day» of the new creation Christian spirituality Incorporates the value of Relaxation and festivity. «Rest opens our eyes to the Larger picture and gives us Renewed sensitivity to the Rights of others.» 237 «Eucharist is itself an act of cosmic love» 236
VII. THE TRINITY AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CREATURES «The reflection of the Trinity was there to be recognized in nature when that book open to man and our eyes had not yet become darkened.» 239 «The divine persons are subsistent relations, and the world, created according to the divine model, is a web of relationships.» 240 St Thomas d Aquin St Bonaventure Developing a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity
VIII. QUEEN OF ALL CREATION Joseph, a just man. Custodian of the universal Church. He can inspire us to work with generosity and tenderness. 242 Mary, Queen and Mother of all creation. She now understands the meaning of All things. We can ask her to enable us to look at This world wit1 eyes of wisdom. 241
We come together to take charge of this home which has been entrusted to us In the heart of this world the Lord of life, who loves us so much is always present
QUESTIONS 1 Pope Francis is critical of a consumerist lifestyle. Why? What would a new lifestyle look like? 2 What does the lifestyle of a modern day consumer impacts life of the poorest? 3 Acccording to the Pope, what does What does ecological education oonsist of? 4 What could deeply motivate us to change our way of life? 5 What brings true joy and peace? 6 Pope Francis proposes that the natural world is integral to our sacramental and spiritual lives. How have you experienced this? 7 After the reading of the Encyclical, what will I do constructively to change my life personally and in my community?
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing, To You alone, Most High, do they belong, and no human is worthy to mention Your Name. Canticle of creatures