Pope Francis says that responses to climate change “have not been adequate.” This Earth Day, both clergy and laypeople must repent of our sins of omission and work toward decarbonization.
Environment
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Survey: U.S. Catholics worry about climate change—but don’t rank it as a top issue
Almost four out of five U.S. Catholics said they “have a moral responsibility” to combat climate change. But there are strong differences between Democrats and Republicans on environmental issues.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Indigenous peoples struggle to recover from genocidal campaign unleashed under Brazil’s President Bolsonaro
Over the four-year administration of President Jair Bolsonaro, between 2019 and 2023, 570 Yanomami children perished as 20,000 wildcat miners, known in Brazil as garimpeiros, tore up the forest in what should have been protected Yanomami territory, seeking gold, tin and minerals used in contemporary hi-tech products.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
This liberation theologian was once silenced by the Vatican. In the Laudato Si’ era, he’s getting a second look.
After the publication of “Laudato Si’,” rumors circulated that Pope Francis had personally asked Leonardo Boff for his input on the writing of the encyclical. It marked an ironic turn in the theologian’s long career.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Have yourself a modest little Christmas? The holiday season highlights a wasteful culture.
From unwrapping unwanted presents to burning fossil fuel to power millions of Christmas lights, the commemoration of the humble birth of Jesus comes at a significant expense to the environment.
Posted inFaith, Features
How a Catholic ecology center in Wisconsin strives to change the world by changing hearts
The C.E.C. demonstrates a profound, organic Catholicism that places people within “the wholeness of creation” and asks them “to look and feel and touch and know it.”
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Pope Francis’ new teaching on animal rights does not go far enough
In his new document, ‘Laudate Deum,’ Pope Francis gives us more hope about humanity’s right relationship with other animals, even if it lacks specifics.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
‘Laudate Deum’ reminds us: Scripture inspires prayer, reflection and action
Pope Francis draws inspiration, especially from psalms and legal texts, to remind humans of our shared status with creation.
Posted inEditorials, Politics & Society
Pope Francis makes it clear: Climate change must be a priority for all Catholics (especially Americans)
During this coming election cycle, Americans (including Catholics) need to hear far more about the moral duty to protect the environment.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
In the belly of the beast: Daniel Kraus’s novel ‘Whalefall’ considers the power of communion and grief
Sucked into the belly of an 80-foot sperm whale, scuba diver Jay Gardiner reconciles the loss of his father and challenges the power of the creatures of the sea in Daniel Kraus’s novel ‘Whalefall.’