"Nearly two years after publication of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical Laudato Si', a global Catholic campaign hopes to recruit 1 million Catholics to keep its message alive and animated in the daily lives of Catholics, in particular around the issue of climate change.The Laudato Si' Pledge, created by the Global Catholic Climate Movement, seeks to rededicate Catholics to Francis' calls in the first papal encyclical on the environment and human ecology for all to do their part in protecting God's creation. It comes ahead of the two-year anniversary, June 18, of the release of "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home."
The campaign has set a goal of mobilizing 1 million Catholics worldwide to commit to take steps like reducing energy use and adopting clean energy, and to push for such measures within their communities and countries. Individuals, families, parishes and organizations can sign the pledge, which is currently available in four languages.
The pledge, accessible at LiveLaudatoSi.org, reads: "Answering Pope Francis' urgent call in Laudato Si', I pledge to: Pray for and with creation; Live more simply; Advocate to protect our common home."
Those who sign on will receive invitations to various Global Catholic Climate Movement programs, such as those planned around the Season of Creation (in September) and Earth Day, to turn their pledge into actions and lifestyle changes.
The international network of 400-plus Catholic organizations points to the sheer size of the global Catholic Church — 1.2 billion people, or roughly 16 percent of the world's population, along with its hundreds of thousands of parishes, schools and other institutions — and the accompanying carbon footprint not only as reason for Catholics to make the climate issue a priority but as potential for meaningful impact through collective action.
In his encyclical, Francis wrote, "The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all," adding later that for Christians, care for creation is "an essential part of their faith."
"The gravity of the ecological crisis demands that we all look to the common good, embarking on a path of dialogue which requires patience, self-discipline and generosity, always keeping in mind that 'realities are greater than ideas,' " Francis said.
Franciscan Sr. Sheila Kinsey, executive co-secretary of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the International Union of Superiors General, told NCR ..
"We are part of a global family and we realize that our actions affect the whole world," ..
A key aspect of the campaign, she added, is that it is a community effort among Catholics across the world. Recognizing that others are doing their part "creates kind of a momentum," Kinsey said. "It creates a climate, in a sense, that things can change."
A kick-off event for the Laudato Si' Pledge was set for June 17." NCR
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:
John 18:36
