Pope Francis

Eight years ago, Pope Francis issued Laudate SI as an Encyclical Letter on climate change and the environment. Laudate Deum is a short update to Laudate SI expressing concern at how little is being done to address his concerns saying "With the passage of time, I have realized that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point."

Pope Francis states clearly that "despite all attempts to deny, conceal, glass over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident." He is disturbed by the amount of false information and denialism on this subject noting that he encounters "scarcely reasonable opinions" even within the Catholic Church.

He urges us to take "Responsibility for the legacy we will leave behind" and to "move beyond the mentality of appearing to be concerned but not having the courage needed to produce substantial changes." He also feels that we need "a different framework for effective cooperation".

This reads like an extended editorial and is relatively short at 30 pages and can easily be read in one hour. It is a good summary of why everyone should feel concern for the environment. There is only been cursory mention of this work in the newspapers. So, one of the advantages of today's internet is that such letters from the Pope are easily available on-line in a wide variety of languages.… (mere)

“If the Lord didn’t forgive everything, our world would not exist.” I love this quote because it reminds me that I am a sinner and that as a human being I must seek forgiveness from God so that my sins of hurt and upset can be absolved. Forgiving is like a chess board where the priest is listening to the confessional and the faithful is repenting of their misgivings, doubts, and other issues they are dealing with. I can never forgive too much. Forgiving frees the heart from bitterness and health issues.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is key,
Releasing anger and pain,
Love and peace remain

(9/12/2023)… (mere)

An Incredible Read

I am a big fan of this pope and I am not even Catholic! I found his words on what forgiveness looks like, what mercy means, and his general look at life so refreshing.
The book is written as an interview- question and then answer. The answers are brief and to the point, but they are deep. Even though this is just a 100 pg book or so, I took my time to read the responses carefully as they were rich.
There will be some who question his focus on the natural sinfulness of the person or the substitutionary view of the Gospel, but he is the pope and he is using their theology. Otherwise, there is a lot of wisdom here.… (mere)