Bringing the Joy of the Gospel into Our World
Catholic Ecological Integrity: Sacramental, Evangelical, Eucharistic (PDF)
by Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, Ph.D.
The Catholic Church brings a distinct perspective to the discussion of environmental questions, by lifting up the moral dimensions of these issues and the needs of the most vulnerable among us. This unique contribution is rooted in Catholic teaching calling us to care for creation and for "the least of these." (Mt 25:40)
Laudato Si
In light of today’s ecological crisis, Laudato Si’ teaches us that “everything is connected.” (LS91) As our relationship with our Creator has been severely neglected, human relationships also have faltered, our world has grown hotter, less stable and more lifeless. As a result, we all suffer, and the poorest and most vulnerable suffer above all. We face a “complex crisis that is both social and environmental.” —Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, (May 24, 2015), 139
“This is a watershed moment for the church, for humanity and for the planet which Pope Francis calls our common home. It’s time for the church to be bold—to speak about major issues—and to achieve a new level of relevance in people’s lives.” —Cardinal Cupich
Pope Francis’ second encyclical Laudato Si’, is an integral component of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Care for Creation Ministry. Caring for creation is fundamental to the Church’s Tradition and Catholic Social Teaching.
- Laudato Si Encyclical
- Laudato Si Discussion Guide
- Cardinal Cupich Press Conference | Text of Cardinal’s remarks
- Cardinal Cupich’s Key Note Address text July 2021
