Laudate Deum – Pope Francis

Laudate Deum is an urgent call to tackle the climate crisis, recognising that time is running out. And irreversible damage has already been done.

In this letter Pope Francis states that the climate crisis is real and cannot be denied. It is caused by human activity. He cautions against seeking only technological solutions, noting that although we have more and more tools to manipulate the world, we are still failing to protect the environment from destruction. The more we seek to increase power for its own sake, the less we use our power to protect life. As he states, “Not every increase in power represents progress for humanity.” (#24)

We need political change on a national and international level. We are called to continue to transform society through our individual, family and community actions, but also to call on those in power to take urgent action. He is clear that we all have a role to play, pressurising the sources of power and demanding change. For the sake of the future of our children we must take action.