Laudato Si' : On Care for Our Common Home

Possibly one of the most important encyclicals of our time, Pope Francis addresses humanity's relationship with the natural world in Laudato Si'. The Christian and secular world have been captivated by the papacy of Pope Francis, and this encyclical has drawn huge attention globally to the critical ecological and environmental issues facing us all.

"Laudato si'" is the introductory phrase to eight verses of St. Francis of Assisi's famous prayer thanking God for the gifts of creation. "Praise be to you, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom you give us light", one of the first lines says.

Laudato Si' is likely to have a strong realm of influence over the UN climate change summit in Paris in December 2015. It emphasises the importance of nurturing all of creation and grasping the nettle in dealing with the ecological and environmental challenges the world is facing, through a shift in political and economic thinking that is life enhancing, especially for those in poverty. But most importantly, Laudato Si' is addressed to all of humanity, and reminds us of our individual responsibility towards our common home.