An Analysis Of Pope Francis I

The comprehensive encyclical written by Pope Francis I is principally a reminder to the global community that “nothing in this world is indifferent to us” (Francis, 1). In other words, we are not neutral beings living in this matrix without effect. Everything we do, each action we take is a political act. Our endeavors implicate our environment. Moreover, our endeavors are inextricably tied the well being of our fellow human. Humanity, Pope Francis I postulates, is interconnected and responsible for global ecological health. The Pope argues in his encyclical that we are neglecting not only the physical world but our fellow man as well. Stewardship, therefore, is the responsibility of all mankind and encompasses all mankind and our “common

While the focus of this encyclical may be understood as environmental concerns, Pope Francis I intertwines humans in the equation stating that, “the human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together”. He goes on to explain, “we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation” (Francis, 14). Herein lies the linchpin of his argument. We are connected to the natural world in ways that far surpass our enjoyment of them. If we neglect our responsibilities to be mindful stewards, we will both collapse in tandem. Ironically, while we allow (and often catalyze) the degradation of our own environment towards the ends of capital gains, comfort, and convenience, we are deconstructing the floor beneath our feet. If we accept the power endowed to us in this new epoch categorized by our immense power as humans, we must also accept that we have the power to heal. Antithetically, we destroy the environment and in so doing, seal our fate. We are the architects of our own undoing. In this encyclical letter, Pope Francis I specifically addresses the role of religion and Christianity and challenges them, ultimately, to heed their convictions and take to task the commission found in their religious texts and teachings- a commission that is often forgone. In point of fact, it is a duty of followers of Christ to care for the