In 2015 Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’ invites and urges everyone to care for and protect our common home, the earth. It was published on the 18 June 2015. Encyclicals are open letters written by the pope.

Laudato Si’ discusses the damage being inflicted on the Earth by humans and calls on ‘every person living on this planet’ to make urgent changes to our lifestyles and how we consume energy in order to protect the planet.

It deals with many environmental issues. In his letter Pope Francis implores us to work together to create a better world for future generations and asks us to make the necessary changes in our lives in order to take care of, respect and value our ‘common home’.

Pope Francis makes it clear that his letter is to be appreciated as an addition to the church’s Catholic Social Teaching. He tells us: “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.”

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