Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, Encyclical

An encyclical on ecology and the environment - By Pope Francis

Possibly one of the most important encyclicals of our time, Pope Francis will address humanity's relationship with the natural world in Laudato Sii.

The Christian and secular world have been captivated by the papacy of Pope Francis ”“ proof indeed that humility can be commanding and leadership by example has broad appeal. It is perhaps this, as much as the thought provoking statements on the environment expected from Pope Francis in his soon to be released Encyclical, that is garnering the attention of much of the world. Likely to have a strong realm of influence over the UN climate change summit in Paris in December 2015 and dove-tailing nicely with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Vatican II Ecumenical Council in this same month, this Encyclical is tipped to emphasise the importance of nurturing all of creation and grasping the nettle in dealing with the ecological and environmental challenges the world is facing, through a shift in political and economic thinking that is life enhancing, especially for those in poverty.

"Laudato sii" is the introductory phrase to eight verses of St. Francis of Assisi's famous prayer thanking God for the gifts of creation. "Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom you give us light", one of the first lines says.