A Prophetic Call to an Integral Ecology

On 24 May we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’, the text with which Pope Francis called humanity to care for the common home, interweaving ecology, social justice and spirituality. This encyclical has had an unprecedented impact on the global collective consciousness, drawing the attention of the civil world to the urgency of an integral ecological conversion.

Ten years after its publication, the Church around the world is mobilising with events, moments of prayer, concrete actions and awareness-raising initiatives to celebrate this important anniversary, and renew its commitment to urgent and profound change.

As Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of The Dicastery for Integral Human Development, DSSUI, said in a recent interview:

“In the context of the Jubilee of Hope 2025, this tenth anniversary will be a time to celebrate what has been achieved and to give thanks to God. A time to promote the encyclical among Catholics and people of all faiths who do not know it. A time to mourn – and struggle – with those who suffer, marginalised or impoverished, because of the damage inflicted on the Earth and unjust economic mechanisms.”

A prophetic call to an Integral Ecology

Pope Francis’ legacy has profoundly transformed Catholics’ understanding of the relationship between humanity, Creation, and the Creator. Drawing on Scripture, centuries of scholarship, and decades of papal environmental pronouncements, he has revived Catholic teaching in a new way for today’s ecological crisis.

Published in 2015, Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ framed environmental degradation not as an isolated problem, but as part of a broader crisis of Catholic values, calling for an “integral ecology” that links environmental protection with human dignity, poverty reduction, and economic reform. This bold vision challenged Catholics—and the world—to move beyond abstract concerns and embrace concrete actions to protect this planet, the common home shared by all.

Diplomatic and political impact

One of the earliest and most significant impacts of Laudato Si’ was its influence on the Paris Climate Agreement. The encyclical was published just months before the negotiations, and Pope Francis actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to encourage world leaders to adopt the agreement. His moral authority and advocacy helped shape the discourse, reinforcing the idea that climate action is not just a political or scientific issue, but a moral imperative. Today, the Holy See is an official party to the agreement, cementing its long-term commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

The reach of Laudato Si’ has extended beyond Catholicism, influencing other religious traditions to take decisive action for creation. One of the most notable examples is Al Mizan , a landmark document often referred to as the “Muslim Laudato Si’ .” This initiative has galvanized Islamic leaders and scholars to advocate for environmental protection, demonstrating how Pope Francis’ vision has fostered interfaith collaboration in the fight against ecological destruction.

Beyond the immediate political and institutional responses, Laudato Si’ has sparked a broader cultural and intellectual movement. University programs dedicated to integral ecology have been established, and countless books and research initiatives have explored the intersection of faith and the environment. The 2022 documentary “The Letter,” featuring Pope Francis and environmental advocates at the forefront, reached over 10 million viewers, further amplifying its message and inspiring new generations of ethical leaders committed to sustainability and justice.

A new generation of leaders

Caring for the environment has been rooted in Catholic doctrine for centuries and spoken of by popes for decades, but Pope Francis has placed a renewed emphasis on this dimension of faith, particularly in response to the current global ecological crisis. He has emphasized that care for creation is not an optional concern, but a fundamental element of the Christian vocation, a shared responsibility toward the poor and a duty toward future generations.

Honouring God the Creator is now more than ever a central element of the Catholic faith and will continue to be a defining aspect of the Church’s mission in the years to come.

Note:  The content of this article has been taken from material shared by The Laudato Si’ Movement  https://laudatosimovement.org/it/ and by The Dicastery for Integral Human Development, DSSUI for Laudato Si’ Week 2025: (18 to 24 May 2025) – see HERE

To Mary – Queen of Creation

Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this
wounded world. Just as her pierced heart mourned the death of Jesus,
so now she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor
and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power.

Completely transfigured, she now lives with Jesus, and all creatures sing of her fairness.
She is the Woman, “clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev 12:1).
Carried up into heaven, she is the Mother and Queen of all creation.

In her glorified body, together with the Risen Christ, part of creation has reached the fullness of its beauty.                                                                                                                                                She treasures the entire life of Jesus in her heart (cf. Lk 2:19,51), and now understands the meaning of all things.

Hence, we can ask her to enable us to look at this world with eyes of wisdom.

We come together to take charge of this home which has been entrusted to us,
knowing that all the good which exists here will be taken up into the heavenly feast.

In union with all creatures, we journey through this land seeking God,
for “if the world has a beginning and if it has been
created, we must enquire who gave it this beginning, and who was its Creator”.

May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.
God, who calls us to generous commitment and to give him our all,
offers us the light and the strength needed to continue on our way.

In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so
much, is always present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone,
for he has united himself definitively to our earth,
and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward.

Praise be to him!

(Adapted from the closing paragraphs of Laudato Si’).

See: A beautiful Powerpoint Presentation as a Meditation prepared by CAFOD (The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development): ‘In Praise of Mary, Queen of all Creation’  is available to download at this link: https://cafod.org.uk/pray/prayer-resources/care-of-creation-prayers

Also Full Text of Laudato Si’  HERE

And https://presentationsistersne.ie/hope-for-the-earth-hope-for-humanity/