On October 4th 2023, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and the final day of the 2023 Season of Creation, Pope Francis released his Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum (“Praise God”). It is an addendum to the 2015 Encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, that raised momentum for the whole Church to embrace care for God’s creation as central to mission. Like its forerunner, Laudate Deum is also addressed to all people of goodwill.
Eight years on from Laudato Si’, Pope Francis shares his heartfelt concerns in a shorter and more direct form. Notably, Laudate Deum picks up pace by naming climate change as a crisis. "With the passage of time, I have realized that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point” (Laudate Deum, n 2.) The summary of scientific evidence, lack of meaningful action and global experiences of the climate crisis, attests to the intensity of the language. Laudate Deum gives attention to the history of international efforts in the lead-up to the next Climate Conference, COP 28, later this year and calls for decisive acceleration in the global energy transition.
For decades there have been warnings, promptings and pleas from leaders in many fields about the worsening impacts of climate change. Remembering climate scientists and others who give their all to influence pathways for a safer climate and hope-filled future. Yet people are waiting for justice, extreme weather events are increasingly impacting every facet of life and beautiful forms of life’s diversity are lost to extinction. Current patterns of consumption and economic models of progress continue to exclude people and cause harm to the Earth, whilst also creating a sense of loneliness and disconnection.
Poignantly, the Synod of Bishops (October 4th-29th), a meeting of clergy, lay people and religious began in the Vatican the day Laudate Deum was released. There are hopes for the Church to adopt the practice of deeper listening and dialogue at every level and a greater openness to the Holy Spirit for guidance in mission, including care for our Earthly home.
Amid many words of concern is the call for silent attention. At an ecumenical prayer vigil ahead of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis reflected on the importance of silence, which he said “is essential to the life of a believer. In a world full of noise, we are no longer accustomed to silence; indeed, sometimes we struggle with it, because silence forces us to face God and ourselves,” he said. Here we are reminded of the dignity of our very being and God’s desire for the fullness of life for all.
Faithful attention to scripture and the gift of gratefully knowing our place within the community of God’s creation, people and place together, are bedrocks to guide us to live in justice and peace. Learning also to listen to Earth’s teachings and limits. In the opening verse of Laudate Deum, the Pope again draws on the inspiration of St Francis of Assisi, who praised God through his life, words and actions. Pope Francis asks if we too, can but not admire “the tenderness of Jesus for all the beings that accompany us along the way! “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these” Mt 6:28-29 (Laudate Deum, n 1.)
Laudate Deum speaks of the creativity that follows. “Faith not only gives strength to the human heart but also transforms life, transfigures our goals and sheds light on our relationship to others and with creation as a whole (Laudate Deum, n 61.) Pathways of transformation can begin wherever we are, starting where we are, joining with others, building on signs of healing and giving thanks to the Creator.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin.
- Laudate Deum (“Praise God”)
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