“Dear brother, Laudato Si’ invited us to listen to “both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”. Eight years later, Laudate Deum focuses on the climate crisis. Please bring it to your people and their leaders. United in our Lord, please do not forget to pray for me.”
Franciscus
Thus Pope Francis signed his apostolic exhortation on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
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Our personal experiences and scientific evidence show us that the climate crisis is overwhelming. In the text, the pope points out that the global governance has been disappointing in its ability to adequately address the crisis. He calls on all people for personal changes, cultural changes, alliances, global agreements and walking together in the same direction in the little time left before us.
The pope expands on the burning humanitarian crisis in 73 short paragraphs, divided into six chapters. In paragraph two, he explains the thought behind the exhortation: “Eight years have already passed since Laudato Si’, but with the passage of time the reactions and steps taken have turned out to be increasingly insufficient, while “the world that welcomes us is crumbling and perhaps approaching a breaking point”
In the first chapter, the pope situates the Global Climate Crisis. Human activity is the main cause of this problem “it is no longer possible to doubt the human—‘anthropic’—origin of climate change” [cf. LD 11], and the speed and acceleration with which catastrophes or natural phenomena deepen make them in many cases irreversible, the pope writes.
In recent years, some have chosen to deride these facts. They bring up allegedly solid scientific data, like the fact that the planet has always had, and will have, periods of cooling and warming. They forget to mention another relevant datum: that what we are presently experiencing is an unusual acceleration of warming, at such a speed that it will take only one generation—not centuries or millennia—in order to verify it.
The recent Covid-19 pandemic teaches us that what happens in one part of the world has repercussions for the entire planet. This allows me to reiterate two convictions that I repeat over and over again: “Everything is connected” and “No one is saved alone”.
Eight years have already passed since Laudato Si’, but with the passage of time the reactions and steps taken have turned out to be increasingly insufficient
Laudate Deum, Pope Francis
In chapter two Pope Francis reminds the world that its economic powers and technological advancements do guarantee solutions to all its problems. It is worth asking ourselves: “In whose hands is and can so much power lie? It is tremendously risky that it resides in a small part of humanity” [cf. LD 23]. We are so immersed in this technocratic paradigm [cf. Chapter 2], that we believe that nature is a resource to be exploited and we forget, in our ambition, that we are an intrinsic part of it. If we live by the “logic of maximum profit at the lowest cost, it makes any sincere concern for the common home impossible.”
Chapter three explains the failure and weaknesses of international politics. We must rethink how we make decisions and legitimise them, since current and past approaches are insufficient, the pope points out. In conscience, and with an eye to the children who will pay for the harm done by their actions, the question of meaning inevitably arises: “What is the meaning of my life? What is the meaning of my time on this earth? And what is the ultimate meaning of all my work and effort?”
Chapter five speaks of the progress and failures of Climate Conferences. The pope challenges the world and says we will be held accountable by the future generations: “Those who will have to suffer the consequences of what we are trying to hide will not forget this failure of conscience and responsibility” [52]. It is crucial to overcome the selfish posturing of countries for the sake of the global common good.
Chapter three explains the failure and weaknesses of international politics. We must rethink how we make decisions and legitimise them, since current and past approaches are insufficient, the pope points out
Chapter five looks forward with optimism to the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, sponsored by the United Nations, provided it demonstrates that the efforts since 1992 have been genuine. We must move beyond the mentality of appearing to be concerned but not having the courage needed to produce substantial changes [56].
We risk remaining trapped in the mindset of pasting and papering over cracks, while beneath the surface there is a continuing deterioration to which we continue to contribute [57].
Once and for all, let us put an end to the irresponsible derision that would present this issue as something purely ecological, “green”, romantic, frequently subject to ridicule by economic interests. Let us finally admit that it is a human and social problem on any number of levels [58].
To the powerful, I can only repeat this question: “What would induce anyone, at this stage, to hold on to power, only to be remembered for their inability to take action when it was urgent and necessary to do so? [60]
In chapter six, the pope calls on everyone to react, people of all religious confessions. The Catholic faithful are reminded of their faith in God and their responsibility to care for God’s creation. The pope invites us to walk in communion, together, synodaly, and to work for “reconciliation with the world that shelters us” [cf. LD 69].
Laudate Deum [Praise God] is the name of this letter; “because a human being who pretends to take the place of God becomes the worst danger to himself.”
