In an announcement made on August 21, it was revealed that Pope Francis is preparing to release a follow-up to his encyclical, Laudato Si’. This forthcoming version will encompass developments spanning the last eight years since the original publication, with its anticipated release slated for October 4, coinciding with the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi.
The need for government bodies and corporate entities to adopt decisive actions in tackling ecological emergencies has attained an unmatched degree of significance. Should these institutions persist in adhering to conventional methods that persistently inflict damage on the environment through unchanged practices, the future of our common home stands on the brink of ecological devastation.
Given the approaching 28th Conference Parties (COP28), it is of vital importance to promptly put into action practical, necessity-based, and authentic strategies that align with the aim of achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius aspiration. This entails the preservation and renewal of vulnerable ecosystems.
The current state of our planet highlights the pressing need for the Church to not only reiterate but also fortify its stance concerning the looming crisis arising from the far-reaching effects of climate change. As the impacts of this climate crisis intensify, it becomes increasingly essential for the Church to take a resolute and unwavering position, highlighting the urgency of addressing this global challenge.
It shall be expected that the voices of communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable to hazards intensified by the climate crisis, are progressively growing more audible and pronounced in Pope Francis’ new Laudato Si’ document.