Pope Francis urged Christians worldwide to put an end to actions that do harm to the environment, part of a call to defend the planet that he issued past year.
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“Pope Francis says it is up to citizens to insist that these commitments are honoured, and to advocate for more ambitious goals”, Turkson wrote.
“We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behavior”, he said, adding that “2015 was the warmest year on record, and 2016 will likely be warmer still”.
“This is leading to ever more severe droughts, floods, fires and extreme weather events”, the pope continues.
The corporal works of mercy include: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, giving shelter to the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead.
William Dinges, a religious studies professor at Catholic University of America, said he has seen Pope Francis’ earlier writings and speeches on the environment propel parishes to focus on ecological activism, and elevating that activity to a work of mercy will further spur Catholic volunteerism.
Environmental awareness, along with concern for the world’s poor, especially in the global south, has been a clear concern of Pope Francis’ papacy since he became the first non-European pope since the eighth century.
“May the works of mercy also include care for our common home”, Francis said, adding that simple, daily gestures which broke with “the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness” would make a difference.
Francis said the world’s poor are the least responsible for climate change, but the most affected by it, and he made an appeal to “hear the cry of the Earth as much as the cry of the poor”.
In his message for the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation” Thursday, Pope Francis said that human-induced global warming, as well as a loss of biodiversity are “sins” against God, which must be atoned for by planting trees, avoiding the use of plastic and paper and “separating refuse”.
Having presented his case, the Jesuit pope emphasized the need for an examination of conscience at the individual and community level, and the need to repent and change course. “Are we ready to respond to the Holy Father’s invitation – and challenge?”
“Human beings are deeply connected with all of creation”, he states. “Examining our consciences, repentance and confession to our Father who is rich in mercy lead to a firm goal of amendment”, the Pope says, “must translate into concrete ways of thinking and acting that are more respectful of creation”. “We must not think that these efforts are too small to improve our world”.
“Obviously “human life itself and everything it embraces” includes care for our common home”, says Francis, adding: “So let me propose a complement to the two traditional sets of seven: may the works of mercy also include care for our common home”.
“The resolve to live differently should affect our various contributions to shaping the culture and society in which we live”, he said.
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Rita told fans she was singing for the pope on The Tonight Show with presenter Jimmy Fallon, she said: “I’m going to do a whole “What’s up, Pope” thing”.
