Highlights of Pope Francis’s Laudate Deum (“Praise God”)
On October 4, Pope Francis released the Apostolic Exhortation Ladate Deum. Below are some reflections on this new document from Development and Peace Caritas Canada:
Pope Francis has just issued, Laudate Deum (“Praise God”), an update to Laudato Si, first published eight years ago on the global climate crisis. He states that despite the many negotiations and agreements global emissions continue to increase. Gas and oil companies are planning new projects with the aim of increasing their production. He explains that the necessary transition towards clean energy sources such as wind and solar and the abandonment of fossil fuels is not progressing at the necessary speed.
The Pope states that this is not a 'green', 'ecological', or romantic issue. Every family ought to realize that the future of their children is at stake. He says we must move beyond the mentality of appearing to be concerned, but not having the courage needed to produce substantial changes. We know that at this pace, in just a few years, we will surpass the recommended limit of 1.5 degrees celsius. The world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point. He further states, "This is a global social issue and one intimately connected to the dignity of human life. To say that there is nothing to hope for, would mean exposing all humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change". Pope Francis returns often to the dual mantras, "everything is connected, and no one is saved alone". He writes, "Praise God is the title of this letter, for when human beings claim to take God's place, they become their own worst enemies."
