Answering the Call of Laudate Deum: Renewing Our Commitment to Earth’s Care

We still find ourselves in jubilation as we continue to celebrate the October 4 release of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum. This exhortation brings with it a renewed sense of purpose towards our shared duty to care for our common home.

Yet our joy is tempered by the Pope’s sobering words throughout, including this statement that opens chapter 1 of Laudate Deum: “Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident.” (LD 5)

The Holy Father’s urgent call to solve the current climate crisis has no intention of putting us into a state of despair. Quite the opposite. It is the catalyst to unite us in action. 

With the guiding light of Laudate Deum giving us a clear view of the signs of the times – we urge you now to upload your second-year Laudato Si Plan and renew your commitment to the health and protection of our beautiful planet.

 

How to Upload Your Annual Plan

1. Log in to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform
2. Scroll down to the “Upload your plan” section
3. For real-world examples, inspiration, and assistance in creating your annual Laudato Si’ Plan, you can view other participants’ Laudato Si’ Plans as well as access sector-specific Laudato Si’ Planning Guides further down the page to use in whatever way is best for you.
4. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, we are more than happy to assist you. Feel free to reach out to our team at info@laudatosiactionplatform.org. 

 

A Closer Look at Laudate Deum

The exhortation is a clarion call to acknowledge our role in the climate crisis and rise to the occasion, with a clear line running through the entirety of the magisterial document: To truly praise our Creator, we must be responsible stewards of His creation.

Pope Francis strengthens our understanding of the injustice that climate change represents, especially for the most vulnerable, and he reminds us that it’s our duty to denounce the crisis and the superficial efforts to address it.

“I ask everyone to accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world that is our home and to help make it more beautiful.” (LD 69)

The document also emphasizes a necessary paradigm shift in our spiritual and cultural perspective. We must place the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants over power and profit. This requires genuine introspection and transformation.

The exhortation is a clear directive for an immediate transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. With 80% of the world’s energy still coming from fossil fuels, Pope Francis warns of the catastrophic repercussions of continuing down this path.

“Gas and oil companies are planning new projects… with the aim of further increasing their production… [It] would be suicidal, for it would mean exposing all humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change”. (LD 53)

He also addresses the UN climate talks, emphasizing the need for audacious decisions to challenge the fossil fuel industry’s stronghold.

Finally, Pope Francis reaffirms the power of people, especially those of faith, to usher in a brighter, sustainable future. He acknowledges the potency of grassroots movements and encourages collaboration for a world where the bounties of creation are shared by all.

“The world sings of an infinite Love: how can we fail to care for it?” (LD 65)

 

Explore Laudate Deum

• Read Laudate Deum in its entirety.
• Understand Laudate Deum at a glance.
• Use Laudate Deum resources from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
• Download a Laudate Deum toolkit to share the good word of the exhortation with your friends, family, and community on social media.
• Hear Laudato Si’ Action Platform director John Mundell’s remarks on Laudate Deum at an Economy of Francesco global event.
• Listen to John Mundell’s remarks at “Caring for the Environment and Each Other: Pope Francis’ Follow-up to Laudato Si’” – a webinar from Georgetown University

• Watch “Presentation of the Apostolic Exhortation: Laudate Deum” – a webinar from Laudato Si’ Movement.