By Andrés Henríquez
ACI Prensa Staff, May 2, 2025 / 12:46 pm
“Everything is connected,” Pope Francis wrote — five times — in his encyclical Laudato Si’. Since its publication in 2015, this text has become a reference for environmental protection and an uncomfortable reminder for many others: The earth is wounded, and humanity with it.
With Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home, Pope Francis echoed the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who considered all of creation “like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us” (LS, 1).
The Holy Father deemed it opportune to raise his voice in defense of the planet, “because of the harm we cause it through the irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her” (LS, 2). The violence within the human heart, wounded by sin, is also manifested in the damage to the earth.
Welcomed by some and rejected by others, both within and outside the Catholic world, Laudato Si’ emerged as one of the most important documents of Francis’ pontificate.
Its detractors have criticized the encyclical for downplaying other concerns for Catholics, such as working directly with the poor. They have also expressed their disagreement with the pope’s proposal to eliminate fossil fuels.
The Catholic Church in green mode
Based on his “ecological” magisterium, Francis adopted practical measures to align the Catholic Church with environmental protection and the fight against climate change.
In 2021, the Laudato Si’ Platform was launched as a concrete action for Christian communities to apply the teachings of the encyclical.
The Vatican’s Commitment to Sustainability: A Look at Laudato Si’
In a groundbreaking move, the Vatican has pledged to achieve net zero emissions in its territory by the year 2050. This commitment to reducing environmental impact is part of a larger effort to address the threat of climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
In 2023, Pope Francis made a bold statement by declaring plastic “banned” in Vatican City. This decision was motivated by the understanding that plastic pollution poses a significant threat to life on Earth. The Vatican has also taken steps to promote sustainability and reduce pollution by introducing electric cars, including specially adapted vehicles for the Pope himself.
Legacy of Laudato Si’
According to Jesuit Father Jaime Tatay, the impact of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ goes beyond words to influence the actions of Christian communities around the world. While Laudato Si’ is the first encyclical specifically focused on environmental care, it builds upon the teachings of previous documents and pastoral letters on the subject.
Father Tatay highlights three key dimensions of Laudato Si’s legacy: an ethical dimension, emphasizing the moral imperative to care for the Earth; an ascetic dimension, calling for a simpler and more sustainable way of life; and a sacramental dimension, recognizing the sacredness of creation and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
As we continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the message of Laudato Si’ serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the planet for future generations. Through sustainable practices and a commitment to holistic environmental stewardship, we can work together to create a more sustainable and just world.
