Pope Francis recently announced that he is writing a follow-up to his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical on climate change and environmental protection. In a speech to a group of lawyers from Council of Europe countries, the Pope revealed his intention to bring his previous encyclical, Laudato Si (Praised Be), up to date with current problems and challenges related to climate change.
Laudato Si, which emphasized the need to address climate change, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and protect the environment, had a significant impact on the Paris climate conference in 2015. The encyclical influenced the conference’s decisions and goals to limit global warming. However, when it was initially released, conservative Catholics aligned with political movements and corporate interests criticized the Pope for supporting the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming.
The upcoming second part of Laudato Si is expected to address the significant changes that have occurred in the world since the document was first published. Over the past eight years, the world has experienced more extreme weather events, including intense heat waves, severe hurricanes, and devastating wildfires. These events have become the new normal, as stated by a senior Vatican official in 2020, further underscoring the urgency to address climate change.
Although Pope Francis did not provide specific details about the format, release date, or content of the second part of Laudato Si, his announcement signifies his dedication to revisiting and updating the document to address the current climate crisis. The Pope’s encyclical and his continued efforts to raise awareness about climate change have made him a hero to many climate activists.
The Pope’s commitment to environmental protection has resonated with global leaders and influenced international discussions on climate change. John Kerry, the U.S. climate envoy and former secretary of state, has acknowledged the profound impact of the encyclical on the Paris conference. By reaffirming his dedication to this critical issue, Pope Francis aims to reinforce the importance of collective action in mitigating climate change and protecting the planet for future generations.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’s announcement of a follow-up to his influential encyclical on climate change highlights the urgency to address the challenges posed by global warming. This new document will seek to provide up-to-date insights on environmental protection and climate change, considering the significant changes that have occurred in the world since 2015. As the Pope spearheads this effort, he continues to be a vital advocate for addressing climate change and encouraging global cooperation to protect our planet.
