The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi was chosen for the release of the second part of Laudato Si', the papal document on the integral care of the planet.
The text, called Laudate Deum, criticizes the lack of commitment the pope has seen over the years to combat climate change and promote the development of those in need. It describes the international community's reponse to this crisis as weak and warns against the power of artificial intelligence.
The pope says, "Never has humanity had such power over itself, yet nothing ensures that it will be used wisely."
But Pope Francis does not only address the international community. He also regrets that some parts of the Catholic Church have questioned climate change. In fact, the beginning of the document recounts data from different environmental studies trying to prove the ongoing challenge humanity is facing.
"I feel obliged to make these clarifications, which may appear obvious, because of certain dismissive and scarcely reasonable opinions that I encounter, even within the Catholic Church," Pope Francis said.
Laudate Deum also highlights different climate meetings and the impact they have had. The pope expresses his hope that the upcoming summit in Dubai will help boost the commitment of the international community. And Pope Francis urges Catholics to reflect on their lifestyle and to focus on making changes in their families to help combat climate change. He says that even these efforts can help create a new culture and protect the environment.
Statement from the USCCB
WASHINGTON – Today, Pope Francis released Laudate Deum, the follow-up to the Holy Father’s groundbreaking encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’. The new apostolic exhortation is addressed “to all people of good will on the climate crisis.”
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued the following statement from James L. Rogers, chief communications officer.
“USCCB President Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio has been on retreat with the Synod delegates and is participating in the opening sessions. Archbishop Broglio and his brother bishops in the United States look forward to spending time with the exhortation in prayer and identifying ways to continue their shared witness on behalf of God’s creation.”