It is a long document (40,000 words) more easily absorbed in piecemeal fashion. But these excerpts appear in their original order, to give some sense of the "Flow" of this ground-breaking document. The entire letter is available from many sources, including the Vatican itself at http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
We can expect its themes to be echoed when Francis addresses the US Congress and the General Assembly of the UN.
ENCYCLICAL LETTER
“LAUDATO SI”
OF THE HOLY FATHER
FRANCIS
ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME
15. It is my hope that this Encyclical Letter, which is now added to
the body of the Church’s social teaching, can help us to acknowledge the
appeal, immensity and urgency of the challenge we face. I will begin by
briefly reviewing several aspects of the present ecological crisis,
with the aim of drawing on the results of the best scientific research
available today, letting them touch us deeply and provide a concrete
foundation for the ethical and spiritual itinerary that follows. I will
then consider some principles drawn from the Judaeo-Christian tradition
which can render our commitment to the environment more coherent. I will
then attempt to get to the roots of the present situation, so as to
consider not only its symptoms but also its deepest causes. This will
help to provide an approach to ecology which respects our unique place
as human beings in this world and our relationship to our surroundings.
In light of this reflection, I will advance some broader proposals for
dialogue and action which would involve each of us as individuals, and
also affect international policy. Finally, convinced as I am that change
is impossible without motivation and a process of education, I will
offer some inspired guidelines for human development to be found in the
treasure of Christian spiritual experience.
16. Although each chapter will have its own subject and specific approach, it will also take up and re-examine important questions previously dealt with. This is particularly the case with a number of themes which will reappear as the Encyclical unfolds. As examples, I will point to the intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet, the conviction that everything in the world is connected, the critique of new paradigms and forms of power derived from technology, the call to seek other ways of understanding the economy and progress, the value proper to each creature, the human meaning of ecology, the need for forthright and honest debate, the serious responsibility of international and local policy, the throwaway culture and the proposal of a new lifestyle. These questions will not be dealt with once and for all, but reframed and enriched again and again.
16. Although each chapter will have its own subject and specific approach, it will also take up and re-examine important questions previously dealt with. This is particularly the case with a number of themes which will reappear as the Encyclical unfolds. As examples, I will point to the intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet, the conviction that everything in the world is connected, the critique of new paradigms and forms of power derived from technology, the call to seek other ways of understanding the economy and progress, the value proper to each creature, the human meaning of ecology, the need for forthright and honest debate, the serious responsibility of international and local policy, the throwaway culture and the proposal of a new lifestyle. These questions will not be dealt with once and for all, but reframed and enriched again and again.
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