Laudato Si (LS) Encyclical of Pope Francis Officially Published on 18th June, 2015 Care for Our Common Home

Main issue in LS Global warming a major threat to life on the planet. It is mainly caused by human activity. Pope Francis argues there is an “urgent” need for policies that reduce carbon emissions, among other ways, by “substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy.”

other topics addressed in LS the pollution of clean water and the loss of biodiversity. Catholic theology of creation critiques of economic globalization consumer culture. Pope Francis focuses on the unequal social effects of environmental problems on the “most vulnerable people on the planet.”

Ch. 1 Questions What images come to mind when I read “throwaway culture”? How have I participated in or reacted to a throwaway culture? How can I contribute to a sustainable future for the earth in my personal life, in my community, and as a global citizen?

Ch. 2 Questions How am I in relationship with God, my neighbor, and the earth? Are my relationships healthy or broken? Read Matthew 6:26. What am I doing to share the gift of creation with others, especially the poor, and with future generations?

Ch.3 Questions What is my understanding of care for creation and care for the poor? Are there restraints that wealthy nations need to make to ensure that all can benefit? What restraints do I need to make in my own life? What restraints do we need to make as a global community?

Ch. 4 Questions What is my understand of “integral ecology”? What responsibilities do I have to creation? What responsibilities do I have to the poor, to future generations? How is poverty an environmental issue?

Ch.5 Questions In which of these five paths can I make a difference? How have I already participated in dialogue to counter the ecological crisis? What are ways I can contribute to this dialogue?

Ch. 6 Questions In what ways am I free? In what ways am I bound? What ways can I change my lifestyle to reflect my relationship with God? What are steps that I can take to live out the call for ecological conversion?