Awesome, its just too bad that humans in general don't have the capacity to defer personal gratification for the common good. The majority of people have evolved neither the innate abstract mental capacity or received the education necessary to comprehend he situation or react appropriately. The rules of population biology apply to all of us and more then likely we will cross the tipping point long before we can recognize it, by the time it is accepted, it will be too late to change the outcome. Extinction will be the planet's answer to the human problem.
2
Those that attack Pope Francis seem to be worshipping at the Koch brother's altar and that seems to be most of the republican politicians. I'll stand with Pope Francis, rather than the Koch brothers, anyday. I really like Pope Francis, a caring, intelligent, and brave man. " Jeb " has forgotten that he wasn't a doctor but he intervened in the Terry Schavio case when he was governor of Florida. It's so hypocritical, that he now tells Pope Francis to stick to his religion. It's a moral issue when you knowingly destroy our air and water for greed and cause people harm. Plus, it's not very prolife to destroy the earth's environment is it " Jeb " .
7
The Pope should begin his environment campaign by solving the encroachment of the sea, the sinking of Venice, Italy. Daily prayer, along with pumping, sandbagging, dredging, etc. must begin immediately. Annual Encyclical reports on the Venice climate control project should be published and disclosed by the Church..
2
Al Gore: "Global warming is about Global Government."
1
In the papal encyclical “Laudato Si”, I discovered insights and priceless gems worth pursuing for everyone and particularly policy makers and entrepreneurs. Although I questioned some assumptions, but never the sincerity, wisdom and compassion of Pope Francis.
The successor of St Peters went beyond the realm of religion to demonstrate how ecology, socio-economics, finance, politics and geopolitics are closely intertwined. For business, governments, politicians and indeed most us, the choices to return to an ecosystem-worth-living are painful. But, with unbridled consumption especially of energy, life is cruel for the poor now and bleak for future generations.
To those fuming about Pope Francis, I can understand the painful choices they face in the short term. But, sacrificing future generations pales in consequences in comparison with today’s cost. I would have been more concerned had Pope Francis, a leader of global charisma, remained silent prior to the upcoming COP21 in Paris, “the world’s last best chance to turn the tide on unfettered carbon emissions”.
The successor of St Peters went beyond the realm of religion to demonstrate how ecology, socio-economics, finance, politics and geopolitics are closely intertwined. For business, governments, politicians and indeed most us, the choices to return to an ecosystem-worth-living are painful. But, with unbridled consumption especially of energy, life is cruel for the poor now and bleak for future generations.
To those fuming about Pope Francis, I can understand the painful choices they face in the short term. But, sacrificing future generations pales in consequences in comparison with today’s cost. I would have been more concerned had Pope Francis, a leader of global charisma, remained silent prior to the upcoming COP21 in Paris, “the world’s last best chance to turn the tide on unfettered carbon emissions”.
4
The Pope is absolutely right on climate change, and I congratulate him for taking this position. I hope that his encyclical will cause some climate change deniers to examine their consciences and realize that denial is a anti-science myth sponsored by the fossil fuel industry. We must curb our emissions of CO2. Alternate energy is the key.
I notice that some deniers engage in red-herring fallacies, such as "the Pope is wrong on birth control, so he should leave science to the scientists." These points are logically disconnected. Regardless of other church doctrine, the Pole understands anthropogenic global warming, and he is on the right side of science in that department.
I notice that some deniers engage in red-herring fallacies, such as "the Pope is wrong on birth control, so he should leave science to the scientists." These points are logically disconnected. Regardless of other church doctrine, the Pole understands anthropogenic global warming, and he is on the right side of science in that department.
6
It's time for more attacks on big capitalism. Since when is it so sacred?
More like the elephant in the room.
More like the elephant in the room.
4
Good for the Pope...He may be at least 10 years too late,since the Arctic,Antarctica,Greenland and almost all mountain glaciers are melting at alarming rates and the permafrost is releasing lots of methane as we speak...Stop all fossil fuel use now...As the World Burns
1
Reminder to Catholics doubting the papal encyclical: the Pope is infallible (Matt. 16:17–19; John 21:15–17).
An "attack on capitalism and political meddling"?
The pope doesn't condemn Capitalism - only the heavy-handed abuses in Capitalism, which are plain to see, and the resulting disparities in the human condition. American right-wing politicians have been meddling in religion (abortion, contraception, homosexuality) to get votes for at least the last 35 years and I'm sure they plan to continue.
As for the environment, matter and energy are interchangeable, says Einstein. On the micro level, everything is energy. And it's the same energy (we are all One). Damage to any part of it affects the whole.
Sounds more like a spiritual issue than a political one to me, if you contemplate the Source of all that is.
The pope doesn't condemn Capitalism - only the heavy-handed abuses in Capitalism, which are plain to see, and the resulting disparities in the human condition. American right-wing politicians have been meddling in religion (abortion, contraception, homosexuality) to get votes for at least the last 35 years and I'm sure they plan to continue.
As for the environment, matter and energy are interchangeable, says Einstein. On the micro level, everything is energy. And it's the same energy (we are all One). Damage to any part of it affects the whole.
Sounds more like a spiritual issue than a political one to me, if you contemplate the Source of all that is.
7
Where's the "beef"?
Beautiful thoughts and words by Pope Francis, but there is no mention of action within and by the Catholic Church -- either in this article or in the encyclical itself (based on a review of its "Table of Contents" -- which appears at the end of the document).
We hear of ways in which this Pope "walks the talk" by living comparatively simply. But, what are his plans for causing the Catholic church to do the same?
Without calling for specific actions at all levels of his church, Pope Francis' encyclical seems to be more like theological finger wagging than spirituality in action.
Theory is clean. Practical application is often messy. Pope Francis' words are refreshing. But talk is cheap. The Pope's namesake eschewed talk by speaking through his practices -- both personally and institutionally. Will the Pope do the same?
Beautiful thoughts and words by Pope Francis, but there is no mention of action within and by the Catholic Church -- either in this article or in the encyclical itself (based on a review of its "Table of Contents" -- which appears at the end of the document).
We hear of ways in which this Pope "walks the talk" by living comparatively simply. But, what are his plans for causing the Catholic church to do the same?
Without calling for specific actions at all levels of his church, Pope Francis' encyclical seems to be more like theological finger wagging than spirituality in action.
Theory is clean. Practical application is often messy. Pope Francis' words are refreshing. But talk is cheap. The Pope's namesake eschewed talk by speaking through his practices -- both personally and institutionally. Will the Pope do the same?
2
What action would you like the Pope to take? He has already tossed out German Bishops for living too high off the hog. He is streamlining the Vatican. And he is a living example of simplicity and faith in action. He certainly lives more modestly and simply than Al Gore and others who talk the talk but don't walk the walk.
He is, for better or worse, the spiritual leader with the most international influence. What he wrote was nothing short of revolutionary. What leader of any real international influence and standing has made such a critique of modern life?
He is, for better or worse, the spiritual leader with the most international influence. What he wrote was nothing short of revolutionary. What leader of any real international influence and standing has made such a critique of modern life?
4
Please be more specific. What actions should the Catholic church undertake? Actions to combat global warming should be undertaken buy industrial nations, the ones who are emitting CO2. What can the Pope do other than advise and express urgency?
I suppose the Pope could do something about that black smoke emitted when they announce new Popes. ;)
I suppose the Pope could do something about that black smoke emitted when they announce new Popes. ;)
This Pope is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He gets everyone all atwitter talking about environmental issues and the impact on the poor while failing to acknowledge the impact unlimited procreation has among poor families in poor countries. he says "Who am I to judge?" about homosexuals while still condemning the behavior and still classifying it as a sin. He is just trying to seduce people to support the church, give it money so it can continue to be the authoritarian and reactionary organization it always has been.
1
I see anti-Catholicism is alive and well.
5
Two decades ago, religious related news were non existent in the American media. The events of 9/11 changed everything. Terrorism and Islam became daily headlines. The election of Cardinal Bergoglio as Pope Francis rose the profile of a decadent Roman Catholic Church. Religion and wars are definitely back in force at the 21st century.
To Mark Kessinger:
I do not think you are helpful when you criticize Pope Francis for his stand against pollution and man made climate change.
Yes, the church through thousands of years is not as consistent in its teachings as to be perfect, but I know 99.99% of persons are not internally consistent either.
I think that if you actually care about Earth, Life, and Humans you help much more supporting Pope Francis than attacking him like Jeb Bush and other sold out Republicans attack him because he dared to touch what they love more than Jesus or anything else in the world, money.
I do not think you are helpful when you criticize Pope Francis for his stand against pollution and man made climate change.
Yes, the church through thousands of years is not as consistent in its teachings as to be perfect, but I know 99.99% of persons are not internally consistent either.
I think that if you actually care about Earth, Life, and Humans you help much more supporting Pope Francis than attacking him like Jeb Bush and other sold out Republicans attack him because he dared to touch what they love more than Jesus or anything else in the world, money.
4
Bless his heart, this dear old man doesn't realize that he is not the leader of the world...............not all of us are catholics and even some catholics don't follow his teachings.......his church has vast wealth, he should use it to feed the poor
1
Bless your heart - you don't realize that he is among the most influential leaders in the world -- which is why every major media outlet in nearly every country - bless their hearts -- are covering this. Oh, and the Catholics were the ones that built most of your city hospitals and started and successfully ran most of the charities in this country - bless their hearts. And not all of their patients - like you - or the people they were giving hands out to were Catholic - bless their hearts!
6
I applaud Pope Francis' courage to publicly address the issue of climate change and it's causes. As suspected, the foes of the topic, whether humans are to blame, are more than weighing in by advocating "the Pope should stick to religion and stay out of things he doesn't know anything about" or words to that effect. The bottom line is, whether climate change is human-caused or not, the mature response of all societies should be this: If we don't collectively stop polluting our environment immediately, much of which is created by demands of heavy consumerism in the developed world, then we, as a species, worldwide, will find ourselves facing extinction.
3
WOW! Catholics should be so proud of their leader. (I'm even tempted to go to a Catholic church to give thanks.)
I was expecting all sorts of programs on public radio stations on the encyclical; instead, it was the church massacre that was constantly returned to over and over again, every time I turned on the radio. Horrible as the church killings were, climate change is a global catatrophe.
What we are served up by public media is not arbitrary; there are choices made as to what is news and what is not news. I say to public media, show some responsibility and at least give equal coverage to the two major events of the day.
I was expecting all sorts of programs on public radio stations on the encyclical; instead, it was the church massacre that was constantly returned to over and over again, every time I turned on the radio. Horrible as the church killings were, climate change is a global catatrophe.
What we are served up by public media is not arbitrary; there are choices made as to what is news and what is not news. I say to public media, show some responsibility and at least give equal coverage to the two major events of the day.
5
The Pope is absolutely correct. Mankind is destroying life on Planet Earth. Only mankind can stop this. And it must start now.
2
I am reading the actual document. So far I am disappointed and angry. Pope Francis explicitly criticized food aid programs that provide family planning along with the food and other medical assistance. I really am wondering how sincere you actually are or are you just out to criticize developed nations with their air conditioning (he specifically mentioned that as well).
While I agree wholeheartedly that the Pope is right to address man's destruction of the natural world, and applaud his informed and compassionate message in "Laudato Si", this encyclical will not change anyone's mind, any more than previous Popes' teachings on birth control did. It will comfort those who agree with it and anger those who disagree but it's impossible to see how this changes anything. The inspiration will be temporary. Then we'll all go back to our smart phones and SUVs and always-on media gadgets, not recognizing in our own possessions and fixations the hollow consumerism Francis criticizes as forcefully has he does the wanton destruction of the environment. Nothing will change.
1
So if you write "Nothing will change" why do you waste people's time getting them to read what you wrote?
2
I am 74, and this is the first Pope in my lifetime that seems to be focused on trying to follow the teachings of the Jesus described in the New Testament.
8
Yes, man was given dominion over the earth, in that man was given responsibility to take care of it.
Man has forgotten that the earth, and everything in it, belongs to the One who created it. Many have not read that the same Creator has warned that He shall destroy those who are destroying the earth.
Each of us has a responsibility to the Creator, to this beautifully planet, and to each other, including the poorest among us. We will be held accountable for our actions.
creator
Man has forgotten that the earth, and everything in it, belongs to the One who created it. Many have not read that the same Creator has warned that He shall destroy those who are destroying the earth.
Each of us has a responsibility to the Creator, to this beautifully planet, and to each other, including the poorest among us. We will be held accountable for our actions.
creator
4
The Pope is right on about climate change. As in the story of The Emperor's New Clothes, he is only stating the blindingly obvious for those who are willing to see.
5
Praise him. The world, our home, needs a saviour. Our grandchildren desperately do. Not religious, not catholic, not fervently anything however - you're a good man Francis.
7
Unless and until someone else half as honest and intelligent shows up in the farce this campaign is shaping up to be, Pope Francis is getting my write-in vote for President in 2016. The fact he's ineligible makes a vote for any of the current candidates no less wasted. - Signed, An Agnostic
4
I am converting to Catholicism.
6
"Consumerism" expressed with distaste by the Pope brings money from consumers freely purchasing goods and services, to those human beings in abject, dirt-eating poverty. Billions of people have gotten a better life from free "consumerism." The Pope and the president are wrong. The burning of coal, oil and natural gas are necessary to assist these desperate humans out of poverty, disease and early death. Elites in Washington, D. C. and the Vatican may not like it, but life should be cherished and for now only coal and other carbon-based fuels are capable of boosting those standards of living. When necessary, inventors and entrepreneurs will solve the problem. It has always been this'll way. Beneficial evolution only comes from "We the People" not dictators and popes.
To Ted Wright from Seattle:
The way you write it seems "We the People" is about you and the Koch brothers.
The way you write it seems "We the People" is about you and the Koch brothers.
3
Don't confuse consumerism with consumption. Consumerism makes an idol of consumption.
5
There are many reasons to criticize the Pope given that the Catholic church isn't exactly clean on a number of issues.
However it is good that he is doing it and the fact that both the left and the right are fuming just speaks to the fact that they both know that they are not moving fast enough on climate change.
Good for the Pope. Keep annoying in them and maybe substantive something might actually get done.
This Pope is speaking out on many things that need to be said. I just hope no one assassinates him as he is running up against powerful vested interests within and without the Church.
However it is good that he is doing it and the fact that both the left and the right are fuming just speaks to the fact that they both know that they are not moving fast enough on climate change.
Good for the Pope. Keep annoying in them and maybe substantive something might actually get done.
This Pope is speaking out on many things that need to be said. I just hope no one assassinates him as he is running up against powerful vested interests within and without the Church.
2
Wonderful assessment from Pope Francis about our role in protecting Earth from ourselves, our callousness and greed. He is doing his religious duty since poisoning others by pollution is a sin. Whoever pollutes to make more money or for convenience is killing others indirectly. The politicians who protect the polluters are even worse. The notion that protecting the environment costs jobs and the economy is pure deceit.
3
This Pope is courageous and smart, and a true leader. The value of that is immense.
2
I'm an atheist, but am a champion of Pope Francis and his issuance of this encyclical. The world needed some world leader to step up to the plate to address our current rush toward self-destruction. That the Pope has been the only one to do so speaks volumes about the others and their nefarious entanglements.
5
He's not a legitimate pope but a false pretender and a false prophet. Time to restore Benedict.
May the Pope's message finally wake us up from our slumber. It's past time for action.
We call ourselves "intelligent life." I think it's time to rethink that label.
I suspect it rightfully belongs to all the other life forms we see around us everyday. All those immensely talented, beautiful, graceful, majestic creatures that manage to exist in perfect harmony with the planet. Truly intelligent life are those that fulfill their obligation to participate in the eternal exchange of matter and energy without engaging in a lot of fuss, no mindless, selfish, destructive behaviors that cause devastating disruptions to the environmental niches of other lifeforms, no thoughtless pollution, no senseless destruction of the biosphere, the only home we have, the planet that provides us the very sustenance we need to survive.
If we were really smart, we'd understand that's the only kind of "intelligence life" that matters.
I suspect Mother Nature (or whatever you care to call the force that lies beneath whatever is going on in this universe) has a simpler definition of "intelligent life," and observes our misadventures daily with a jaundiced eye, shaking her head and mumbling in disgust: "Good grief, what was I thinking. What complete idiots! Ths "human being" thng has got to be the stupidest creature I've ever created!"
The good news is (I think) that it can...and soon will be...fixed. The meek shall inherit the Earth. (I'm rooting for the elephants.)
We call ourselves "intelligent life." I think it's time to rethink that label.
I suspect it rightfully belongs to all the other life forms we see around us everyday. All those immensely talented, beautiful, graceful, majestic creatures that manage to exist in perfect harmony with the planet. Truly intelligent life are those that fulfill their obligation to participate in the eternal exchange of matter and energy without engaging in a lot of fuss, no mindless, selfish, destructive behaviors that cause devastating disruptions to the environmental niches of other lifeforms, no thoughtless pollution, no senseless destruction of the biosphere, the only home we have, the planet that provides us the very sustenance we need to survive.
If we were really smart, we'd understand that's the only kind of "intelligence life" that matters.
I suspect Mother Nature (or whatever you care to call the force that lies beneath whatever is going on in this universe) has a simpler definition of "intelligent life," and observes our misadventures daily with a jaundiced eye, shaking her head and mumbling in disgust: "Good grief, what was I thinking. What complete idiots! Ths "human being" thng has got to be the stupidest creature I've ever created!"
The good news is (I think) that it can...and soon will be...fixed. The meek shall inherit the Earth. (I'm rooting for the elephants.)
1
We are in the middle ages and this pope recognizes that and has stepped in to the complete vacuum of leadership, personal responsibility, and caring. The fool’s gold of the newest gadget, newest means to make our neighbor useless, and almost uniform disregard for the poor has sent us diving to an all-time low. He is a leader when there is no such thing as leadership any longer. Simply hoarding wealth and gaming the system for fame and power seems to have replaced any form of honor and goodness that ever existed. Of course these would be leader are complaining in the context of complete disregard for the future and the present.
1
Unfortunately, the Catholic Church has long lost its credibility in most countries, this has happened due to the fact that it tacitly accepted such innovations as a same-sex marriages, change of sex, abortion. So, now Pope's calls do not sound very impressive.
Thank you Pope Francis by their position on global warming climate change can be controlled and anticipate its effects on the economic and social plan
1
Pope Francis wants us to follow science as it relates to Global Warming but teaches followers to avoid science when it comes to contraception and stem cell research.
Too much verbiage. Writing from Argentina, I can tell you his Holiness' nation is messed up with agrochemicals, which he barely mentions. He could have said governments need to control use of agrotoxins in food production. No? #AgroCromañón!
I have the greatest respect for Pope Francis who’s a breathe of fresh air ridding the Vatican of its cobwebs and underscoring how previous Popes failed to tackle the thorny issues facing society.
His encyclical may not be scientifically based but he reminds us that we are custodians of the planet and until the developed countries address their greed and squander the earths resources, future generations face a bleak future.
As a man of humility he has highlighted the plight of the poor and has been bold enough to face off both Netanyahu and Erdogan. He has no political donors to answer to and would have made a thoughtful and caring Statesman.
His encyclical may not be scientifically based but he reminds us that we are custodians of the planet and until the developed countries address their greed and squander the earths resources, future generations face a bleak future.
As a man of humility he has highlighted the plight of the poor and has been bold enough to face off both Netanyahu and Erdogan. He has no political donors to answer to and would have made a thoughtful and caring Statesman.
1
Salute to Pope Francis , for highlighting through his detailed encyclical, the most crucial facing the humanity at large,Climate change and degradation of the environment through human interference.. He has clearly defined that the worst sufferers are the poor of the world . This is no doubt an updated version of the leader of orthodox Christianity by taking note of the change in ground realities through an open mind which is bound to give a boost to Chritianity.
2
Just because this Pope is marginally better than the last one, it doesn't mean he is great. He is certainly not a "Man of Science" and he doesn't act in the best interests of Humanity. Have we all forgotten he just condemned same-sex marriage a few weeks ago after the vote in Ireland?
The Catholic Church owns hospitals in the USA that continue to discriminate against patients who want to use birth control.
We still have a known network of pedophiles being shielded from the law by his organization.
This reflexive and overly effusive praise just makes me sick.
The Catholic Church owns hospitals in the USA that continue to discriminate against patients who want to use birth control.
We still have a known network of pedophiles being shielded from the law by his organization.
This reflexive and overly effusive praise just makes me sick.
The underpinning of the Pope's encyclical is that the future of humanity, the pinnacle of creation, is intrinsically tied to the vigilant management of the world's resources. Woven throughout the document is an emphasis on the interdependent relationship between human life and the environment and the fundamental reality that the depletion of one will significantly diminish the other. This stewardship also recognizes the uniqueness of human life in all its stages.
3
Not a Catholic, but his reasonable voice is welcome though I doubt it will move the hearts of many whose fortunes or political power are tied to the exploitation of the planet and it's poorest citizens.
They know who they are.
They know who they are.
3
The arrogance of certain of the Republican Presidential candidates and other conservatives in their responses to Pope Francis’s encyclical is truly astounding, even by their standards. It’s not enough for them to say, with all due respect I disagree with many of the Pope’s observations and assertions, or something to that effect. Rather, they take a patronizing tone, noting he is not a scientist (his educational background in a scientific area notwithstanding) or implying that the issue of global climate change and its implications is somehow beyond his ken. Or, they essentially tell him to mind his own business, as if he is meddling in things he has no right or authority in which to get involved.
These conservatives may be truly offended as they perceive that Francis has broken the deal politicians on the right have long had with clergy and religious groups: They’ll use law and policy in support of religious values about sexual morality and reproductive behavior (and, of growing importance, support Israel), if the religious, in turn, support them, or at least remain silent, on issues that involve corporations and the wealthy. Evidently, the Pope didn’t sign that agreement.
Or, the candidates may not care at all about Francis’s encyclical, but want to put on a show for donors and primary voters. Nonetheless, I’ll bet more than a fewer voters are offended by these politicians’ lack of respect and self-serving brand of Christian piety.
These conservatives may be truly offended as they perceive that Francis has broken the deal politicians on the right have long had with clergy and religious groups: They’ll use law and policy in support of religious values about sexual morality and reproductive behavior (and, of growing importance, support Israel), if the religious, in turn, support them, or at least remain silent, on issues that involve corporations and the wealthy. Evidently, the Pope didn’t sign that agreement.
Or, the candidates may not care at all about Francis’s encyclical, but want to put on a show for donors and primary voters. Nonetheless, I’ll bet more than a fewer voters are offended by these politicians’ lack of respect and self-serving brand of Christian piety.
2
I applaud Pope Francis for his stance on climate change, and I hope it will cause politicians to pay more attention to the problem and less attention to their check books. But recall. Before our criminal act of aggression against Iraq, Pope John Paul II clearly labeled it an unjust war.
1
You know the feeling of guilt you have when you are mean to a human being. The Catholic Church pronouncement wants us - individuals and institutions - to have the same feeling of guilt when we are unkind to the environment.
I've cut back on many plastic bags to 1 a week. But I still get annoyed when I get a paper cup instead of a plastic cup or when the paper bag gets torn and my groceries spill out.
It will be a loooong journey.
I've cut back on many plastic bags to 1 a week. But I still get annoyed when I get a paper cup instead of a plastic cup or when the paper bag gets torn and my groceries spill out.
It will be a loooong journey.
1
The irony was the lack of talk about one of the main drivers of global warming; population growth and the church's contradictory and self serving policy on birth control.
Global warming is not just a scientific issue, it is also a profoundly moral, religious and political issue. If the pope can't point this out who can? By issuing this Encyclical Francis is calling the bluff of politicians and religious leaders everywhere. American religious leaders and politicians have a lot to answer for for elevating consumerism and greed over clean air and water and human rights. Since when does Capitalism trump basic human needs? Those, like Jeb, who dismiss Pope Francis for interfering in in politics have a very shallow self-serving idea of what religion and morality is all about. If that wasn't obvious before it should be patently obvious now.
8
Sitting in a waiting room this afternoon, it cheered me up to see the Pope on the screen, while smiling because apparently he does not like TV and neither do I.
Hope. He gives me hope as a holy figure, a humanitarian and compassionate man; ahead of his time and yet staying in the times we are living, with a realistic eye on the world.
St. Francis of Assisi is a favorite Saint of mine, and a devout friend and believer in Argentina was to tell me of Brother Francis when he was chosen to be a religious leader, and it took my breath away.
Earlier I was thinking of a devout Muslim friend who is the most 'Christian' I have met in her ways, and it was later in the day that a young nurse reminded me that it was the beginning of Ramadan.
For those of us who care and believe, please say a prayer for Papa Francesco. He is fighting for our Humanity and he would most likely be the first to tell us that he needs our Help.
Hope. He gives me hope as a holy figure, a humanitarian and compassionate man; ahead of his time and yet staying in the times we are living, with a realistic eye on the world.
St. Francis of Assisi is a favorite Saint of mine, and a devout friend and believer in Argentina was to tell me of Brother Francis when he was chosen to be a religious leader, and it took my breath away.
Earlier I was thinking of a devout Muslim friend who is the most 'Christian' I have met in her ways, and it was later in the day that a young nurse reminded me that it was the beginning of Ramadan.
For those of us who care and believe, please say a prayer for Papa Francesco. He is fighting for our Humanity and he would most likely be the first to tell us that he needs our Help.
16
Maybe worship Jesus and not the pope?
If anyone is going to make me worship Jesus, it is Pope Francis.
Every morning I take a pause and look at a small statue of the Infant Christ which a friend brought back on a humanitarian mission years ago, while praying for the children of this world here and in developing countries.
A woman from Asia won the U.N. Peace Award for the poorest children in our midst in 1979. Never forgotten, she continues to be a source of inspiration to many of us who knew her, and she would have hoped more than anything to meet with Father Francis.
A miracle? A miracle would be if we all agreed that this Pope encourages by his example and many actions to try to do better, and he is leading some of us lost in the right direction, while honoring the religious beliefs of others.
Every morning I take a pause and look at a small statue of the Infant Christ which a friend brought back on a humanitarian mission years ago, while praying for the children of this world here and in developing countries.
A woman from Asia won the U.N. Peace Award for the poorest children in our midst in 1979. Never forgotten, she continues to be a source of inspiration to many of us who knew her, and she would have hoped more than anything to meet with Father Francis.
A miracle? A miracle would be if we all agreed that this Pope encourages by his example and many actions to try to do better, and he is leading some of us lost in the right direction, while honoring the religious beliefs of others.
3
Pope Francis is a hypocrite.
7
Jeb Bush and Rick Santorum, both Catholics running for US President on the R ticket, say that the Pope should "stick to religion, and leave politics to politicians/science to scientists" (my digest)
The thing is, Global Warming/Climate change is a political issue *in the US only*, not anywhere else on the Globe. When you talk about this in terms of politics outside of the US, at first you seem confusing, then, when you explain how politics is involved, you look like a lunatic. That's a fact. I am actually embarrassed to talk about the political aspect of the climate change "debate" with my non-US co-workers, friends and family.
Even more lunatic to a non-US person is "science is separate from politics" kinda thing, that Rick Santorum alludes to. People get bewildered when I explain to them that some of our politicians prefer to "set science aside" and "talk about issues" etc. they just can't understand how science can be edited out of thinking, conversations and politics.
I guess that's because we are "exceptional" that way... Indeed.
The thing is, Global Warming/Climate change is a political issue *in the US only*, not anywhere else on the Globe. When you talk about this in terms of politics outside of the US, at first you seem confusing, then, when you explain how politics is involved, you look like a lunatic. That's a fact. I am actually embarrassed to talk about the political aspect of the climate change "debate" with my non-US co-workers, friends and family.
Even more lunatic to a non-US person is "science is separate from politics" kinda thing, that Rick Santorum alludes to. People get bewildered when I explain to them that some of our politicians prefer to "set science aside" and "talk about issues" etc. they just can't understand how science can be edited out of thinking, conversations and politics.
I guess that's because we are "exceptional" that way... Indeed.
18
As a Jesuit, Pope Francis likely has a good knowledge of science. I doubt he would ever espouse a less than 10 thousand year old earth, or that humans co-habit end with dinosaurs.
In speaking to a man earlier who is struggling to make a living, I mentioned the Pope who has addressed the World. After a pause, he added 'isn't he into politics?'. He is drawing our attention in a much larger scope that covers all human issues today, was my reply.
The politicians among us who are trying to mix politics and religious are making some voters turn away, with their quest to make 'Christians' out of us. Perhaps I am mistaken but this is another oddity that is taking place in the presidential elections. President Obama, in one of his first addresses to the Nation, included the 'Non-Believers' among us.
On a personal note, standing recently in a secular Catholic church in Paris to thank the people who came to my elderly mother's funeral, I remember her son, an Atheist, looking crumpled and depressed, alone in the front row. Her nephew and niece by marriage, divided over her last will, were on separate sides of the aisle.
Highly religious and 'Christian' in their views, I knew they were planning to unite the next day to sue over her Estate. It is none of my business to ask what they think of Pope Francis; it is none of their business to ask of my take on religion either.
It is Pope Francis with his presence, his actions and compassion, who is going to restore faith in myself, and continues to bring out the best in this lapsed 'Catholic' who has long left the Church. He is a guiding light in this messy world of ours, and the rest is all politics.
The politicians among us who are trying to mix politics and religious are making some voters turn away, with their quest to make 'Christians' out of us. Perhaps I am mistaken but this is another oddity that is taking place in the presidential elections. President Obama, in one of his first addresses to the Nation, included the 'Non-Believers' among us.
On a personal note, standing recently in a secular Catholic church in Paris to thank the people who came to my elderly mother's funeral, I remember her son, an Atheist, looking crumpled and depressed, alone in the front row. Her nephew and niece by marriage, divided over her last will, were on separate sides of the aisle.
Highly religious and 'Christian' in their views, I knew they were planning to unite the next day to sue over her Estate. It is none of my business to ask what they think of Pope Francis; it is none of their business to ask of my take on religion either.
It is Pope Francis with his presence, his actions and compassion, who is going to restore faith in myself, and continues to bring out the best in this lapsed 'Catholic' who has long left the Church. He is a guiding light in this messy world of ours, and the rest is all politics.
2
As a conservative, I have always been bewildered how climate change has managed to become a political issue. Republicans need to quit refusing to face it and come up with free market solutions to the problem. The potential stakes are too high for us to gamble that the scientists are wrong.
2
The first thing that came to mind after reading this article was that perhaps Pope Francis is a reincarnation of St. Francis of Assisi..his namesake. I became an ex-Catholic almost 50 yrs ago and been on a Vedic yogic path since the early 70's. But just as the much of the world is realizing one earth/one people, people like myself who may be on one spiritual path do not deny the truth of another. Though not a buddhist, I believe in its truths and the teachings of the Dali Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh and other contemporary spiritual teachers. For those who think the abortion issue is relevant, I think it best to address what Pope Francis is proposing. In truth we do not know for sure if more people on the earth is actually related to climate change. I will admit I have not read all that is available on climate change, but I do not remember over population as being a factor. As an ex Catholic, I rejoice that a Pope would have the insight, knowledge and courage to write this encyclical. Reminder of what we can do...Reduce, reuse, recycle and may I add respect for the earth and its people especially indigenous who are being exploited.
12
For Bush and others who say that the Pope should keep out of politics:
climate change is not a political issue. It is a scientific issue. Its' denial is a political issue.
climate change is not a political issue. It is a scientific issue. Its' denial is a political issue.
20
And so is its embrace which has the result of the Pope taking political sides. He should stick to matters of faith and morals and not take the Church back to the time when it meddled in political affairs.
Brilliant!
awesome he's "coming out". And completely agree with his thesis.
The implication of what he says is not so obvious. To act on the problem requires BOTH a government to impose constraints its society (relatively easy), AND societies accepting those constraints. I dare say, many of the fans of his comments are not necessarily ready yet to change their lifestyles. Once "we" are ready, i think progress will begin earnest.
The implication of what he says is not so obvious. To act on the problem requires BOTH a government to impose constraints its society (relatively easy), AND societies accepting those constraints. I dare say, many of the fans of his comments are not necessarily ready yet to change their lifestyles. Once "we" are ready, i think progress will begin earnest.
6
I am so proud of my Pope.
How can I change my life to help? Live more simply, buy less food and waste none, use less energy, purchase used or less clothing, give away what I don't use, walk more, converse more face to face, feel the pain of those who go without and walk with them.
As a Catholic, I must address the concerns that many writers have expressed about population control. The Catholic Church does not deny a couple's right to control how many children they have. What the Church correctly condemns are the chemical/artificial means of doing so. How can we fight against toxic waste, harmful pesticides, and air pollution when we turn around and put toxins in our body to artificially and dangerously (see all of the side effects for contraceptives) stop fertility? Birth control pills cause many serious and long term health problems for girls/women. STD's are destroying young women's fertility and overall health. Natural birth control---abstinence and awareness of one's fertility cycle---are very successful and healthy ways to "control birth" and also dignify women and men. One major theme of the Holy Father's encyclical deals with the dignity of all humans. We cannot preach about the sanctity of the environment and then treat women as objects to for sexual pleasure, pre-born babies as disposable at will, and offer disabled children and sick elderly on the altar of euthanasia. The Church is consistent on this: All life is sacred.
Bravissimo, Papa!!
How can I change my life to help? Live more simply, buy less food and waste none, use less energy, purchase used or less clothing, give away what I don't use, walk more, converse more face to face, feel the pain of those who go without and walk with them.
As a Catholic, I must address the concerns that many writers have expressed about population control. The Catholic Church does not deny a couple's right to control how many children they have. What the Church correctly condemns are the chemical/artificial means of doing so. How can we fight against toxic waste, harmful pesticides, and air pollution when we turn around and put toxins in our body to artificially and dangerously (see all of the side effects for contraceptives) stop fertility? Birth control pills cause many serious and long term health problems for girls/women. STD's are destroying young women's fertility and overall health. Natural birth control---abstinence and awareness of one's fertility cycle---are very successful and healthy ways to "control birth" and also dignify women and men. One major theme of the Holy Father's encyclical deals with the dignity of all humans. We cannot preach about the sanctity of the environment and then treat women as objects to for sexual pleasure, pre-born babies as disposable at will, and offer disabled children and sick elderly on the altar of euthanasia. The Church is consistent on this: All life is sacred.
Bravissimo, Papa!!
11
Excuse me, but where in his message does he address the role of birthcontrol and mitigation of global warming? How can anyone be taken seriously in warning about global temperature rise without addressing human population explosion?
7
The Pope is consistent in talking about the importance of life, of all life in this planet.
2
I applaud the Pope for writing this encyclical. Unfortunately, however, the Roman Catholic Church's ban on contraception leaves the Pope open to charges of hypocrisy, given that overpopulation is one of the major drivers of climate change. Mind you, I don't think the world's poor decide to have children, or to not have them, because of the Pope or the Church says. Irrespective of religion, societies produce fewer children as they become more affluent. And the contraception ban is probably something that is honored more in the breach than in the observance. But neither of those details will stop the Pope's critics from seizing upon his apparently contradictory stance as a means of discrediting his message on climate change.
2
I'll start to doing my part against climate change* as soon as the Pope and Obama start video conferencing instead of jet setting around the globe.
*Global warming was not a very marketable brand.
*Global warming was not a very marketable brand.
3
It sounds kind of silly, but I think the Pope and president would make up for their aircraft emissions by the inspiration and influence they affect people with by being where they need to be in person. Sacrificing their capacity to travel would, consequently, sacrifice a lot of their capacity to influence and improve the world at large.
2
And you'll be the first to complain when our figureheads avoid the trenches for the conference room.
1
Their physical presence can make a difference in inspiring people to accept the changes.
Want to reduce GHG emissions- car pool & take public transportation.
Want to reduce GHG emissions- car pool & take public transportation.
2
“Our immense technological development has not been accompanied by a development in human responsibility, values and conscience.”
Yes, recent technological changes are introduced without anyone thinking first about the impact on society. Did auto makers and manufacturers of electronic communication devices sit down and figure out a way to make cell phone use safe while driving or to make it impossible for the cell phone to work while the car is moving? Had they done so, we wouldn't need the government to step in to make laws restricting their use. But no, the people who run those companies have been taught to seek one thing and one thing only: greater profits. The pope seems to have recognized this, and reminds us in this encyclical of the consequences of not thinking before acting, and then acting as if we couldn't change back to a less brutal form of consumerism, hurting both he environment and our fellow human beings. While being blasted by the Republicans, the pope is the true conservative. Conservatives in the US want to roll back certain changes in society they don't happen to like, and dismiss the suggestion that he same thing could happen in others.
Yes, recent technological changes are introduced without anyone thinking first about the impact on society. Did auto makers and manufacturers of electronic communication devices sit down and figure out a way to make cell phone use safe while driving or to make it impossible for the cell phone to work while the car is moving? Had they done so, we wouldn't need the government to step in to make laws restricting their use. But no, the people who run those companies have been taught to seek one thing and one thing only: greater profits. The pope seems to have recognized this, and reminds us in this encyclical of the consequences of not thinking before acting, and then acting as if we couldn't change back to a less brutal form of consumerism, hurting both he environment and our fellow human beings. While being blasted by the Republicans, the pope is the true conservative. Conservatives in the US want to roll back certain changes in society they don't happen to like, and dismiss the suggestion that he same thing could happen in others.
5
If only other world leaders had his clarity of vision and courage to match.
16
Years ago conservatives would excoriate those Roman Catholics who dissented on birth control or gay rights as "cafeteria Catholics." I guess the conservative Republican Catholic commentators and candidates who are saying this encyclical is wrong are also "cafeteria Catholics" -- or maybe they're "McCatholics."
14
What an incredible person Pope Francis is! As an atheist, I don't care for the religious part of his messages (and I am not meaning to offend anyone!), but I cannot stop admiring the Pope for his courage, his sanity, his righteousness, integrity, understanding complex issues and explaining them clearly to all, not judging, not moralizing, but strongly and effortlessly delivering his believes in the most passionate and admirable way!
No wonder he is a Global Superstar - I cannot name ONE person that has so much of the above other than Pope Francis. President Obama seemed that he would be one in 2008, but unfortunately, he was not strong enough to stand up to all the "headwinds" to continue being one.
But Pope Francis did, and is doing it every day, leaving all his critics in the dust like insignificant noise that they are - and doing it with grace, integrity and courage. What a wonderful person we now have to admire and look forward to!
No wonder he is a Global Superstar - I cannot name ONE person that has so much of the above other than Pope Francis. President Obama seemed that he would be one in 2008, but unfortunately, he was not strong enough to stand up to all the "headwinds" to continue being one.
But Pope Francis did, and is doing it every day, leaving all his critics in the dust like insignificant noise that they are - and doing it with grace, integrity and courage. What a wonderful person we now have to admire and look forward to!
26
Jesuit, Latin American, now if he can understand the place for birth control....
3
Most Catholics use birth control, natural or otherwise, unless they are trying to conceive. I believe the figure is 98%. The church is fully aware of this.
Just as President Obama is not the Messiah, Pope Francis is not seeking Sainthood. Both are Humanitarians first with a long vision, who appear to enjoy a quiet understanding, and there is something wondrous in seeing them both together, encouraging this person to learn and do better.
1
Hallelujah!
May the Archbishops of Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati take this encyclical with seriousness and love.
May the Archbishops of Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati take this encyclical with seriousness and love.
13
Because they didn't know before, by the teachings of Jesus to do those things?
Must be looking for grants. No wait, that's the scientists. Wait, must be trying to kill coal jobs for poor folks. No wait, that's Obama. Must be a tree hugger.
That's it. Guy is an evil tree hugger.
Whew, gladi got that figured out.
That's it. Guy is an evil tree hugger.
Whew, gladi got that figured out.
9
I am disappointed that population growth was not given more attention in this Encyclical. By ignoring the ravaging effect on the quality of life -- especially for the poor -- brought about by the ongoing population explosion, the credibility of the entire document suffers.
6
"perfect is the enemy of the good" as the saying goes. Sometimes, it's better not to have it all, but have most of it, this is why this document is so important. Even as an atheist I understand it is REALLY asking too much of a Roman Catholic Pope to proclaim there are "too many of us God creations", and we should slow down a bit.
The fact that the Pope is more progressive than the entire slew of our Republican candidates is already huge, and that says a lot. Let me say this again: the Roman Catholic Pope, the head of the church who burned Galileo and Copernicus, is MORE progressive and forward-looking than *every single one* of the American Republican Presidential candidates!
If this is not huge news - I don't know what is.
The fact that the Pope is more progressive than the entire slew of our Republican candidates is already huge, and that says a lot. Let me say this again: the Roman Catholic Pope, the head of the church who burned Galileo and Copernicus, is MORE progressive and forward-looking than *every single one* of the American Republican Presidential candidates!
If this is not huge news - I don't know what is.
12
They need a few more centuries to ponder that one.
Either you believe in working toward a sustainable future or you do not. Look beyond the Francis of Assisi quotes and see what is really there. It is appearing Pope Francis wants to preach, not practice. How can he or anyone else expect the conglomerates to look beyond their bottom line obsession if Francis refuses to abandon his natalist obsession.
May the Koch brothers and the Republican party listen and change their stance....the Pope is absolutely right. I am not Catholic but this heavenly man has a lot to say that we all could live by.
15
And yet the Pope cannot subscribe to birth control, which would result in fewer global warming consumers - dogmatic lunacy from a Socialist.
4
And apparently you cannot subscribe to celebrating and supporting the good Pope Francis is doing without denigrating him because other things on your wish list were not checked off.
12
I guess Jesus was a socialist too. Certainly didn't believe in the exploitation of labor for the wealth of others, or hiding riches in offshore accounts in order to horde for oneself rather than helping the sick, hungry, homeless. I believe Jesus would be appalled at the waste of money for instruments of war, the killing of others to take their wealth and resources. The earth is a beautiful, wonderful place, it's up to us to save it and the time is now. All the riches in the world mean nothing if the planet is uninhabitable.
2
This Jew thinks the Pope is right on! Now what do so-called born agains in the Republican party, who worship money, have to say. And how about Mr. Catholic Jeb Bush. This certainly poses a quandry for him and his Texas oil buddies. I think this Pope is great. I might have to convert.
17
Hume's 'is/ought' problem makes ethical leadership a necessary element in choosing appropriate social action. Pope Francis is filling the void we have created in modern secular society by believing emilpirical social science is sufficient for our democracies to be sustainable. Now we need political leaders to take moral positions rooted in sophisticated consequentialist ethics, smart strategies that are informed by unapologetic empathetic sensitivity, not faux 'tough' posturing that pretends all we need is cold arrogant reason, without sympathy for all sentient beings as a primary value.
8
If it were not for religions like Catholicism empowering Despots for centuries, we'd have developed a peaceful, sustainable, balanced society across the globe by now. Religion is spiritual totalitarianism, Francis, go look in a mirror!
3
Absurd. Many, if not most, drives for power have had nothing to do with religious belief. WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam - where is the religious despot?
Can you believe this? Bush says we should not politicize our faith. Yet all Republicans bend over backwards to do that with the evangelicals. They relish doing that with all the conservative voters but when they hear something they don't like they consider it politicizing.
23
Re:" Pope Francis in Sweeping Encyclical, Calls for Swift Action on Climate
Change," June 18, 2015.
Pope Francis's Encyclical on climate change is much more than that: It's a fervent call, not just to Catholics or Christians, but to all of humanity to take care not only the planet, but also its helpless inhabitants, the poor, its birds, and animals. It is a moving document in that it evokes and impresses upon us the need to develop a closeness to nature and the living things in it the way his patron Saint St. Francis of Assisi did.
We need to study the Encyclical seriously and follow Pope Francis's recommendations for planet protection. It is high time that elementary education, not only in America, but throughout the world included in its curriculum concrete lessons in planet care, including birds and animals, and the helpless poor.
To put it simply, Pope Francis is one of the handful top public figures in the world today with a profound capacity to be compassionate to all living things.
He has nothing to gain personally by the Encyclical. He issues it to make planet earth safer for our children and grandchildren. Those who ridicule Pope Francis's all for a spiritual kinships with our planet and all the living beings in it are churlish.
Change," June 18, 2015.
Pope Francis's Encyclical on climate change is much more than that: It's a fervent call, not just to Catholics or Christians, but to all of humanity to take care not only the planet, but also its helpless inhabitants, the poor, its birds, and animals. It is a moving document in that it evokes and impresses upon us the need to develop a closeness to nature and the living things in it the way his patron Saint St. Francis of Assisi did.
We need to study the Encyclical seriously and follow Pope Francis's recommendations for planet protection. It is high time that elementary education, not only in America, but throughout the world included in its curriculum concrete lessons in planet care, including birds and animals, and the helpless poor.
To put it simply, Pope Francis is one of the handful top public figures in the world today with a profound capacity to be compassionate to all living things.
He has nothing to gain personally by the Encyclical. He issues it to make planet earth safer for our children and grandchildren. Those who ridicule Pope Francis's all for a spiritual kinships with our planet and all the living beings in it are churlish.
11
BRAVO, POPE FRANCIS!
I am so heartened to hear someone of your stature and importance come out and "tell it like it is"! I've been waiting for someone -- a president, a world leader, even a celebrity or rock star -- to take the risk of offending supporters, fans, rich people, contributors, whatever, and to state in an open formal and sweeping way what is obvious to many of us.
I'm not Catholic, nor am I religious, but you're my man!
I am so heartened to hear someone of your stature and importance come out and "tell it like it is"! I've been waiting for someone -- a president, a world leader, even a celebrity or rock star -- to take the risk of offending supporters, fans, rich people, contributors, whatever, and to state in an open formal and sweeping way what is obvious to many of us.
I'm not Catholic, nor am I religious, but you're my man!
19
I agree with everything the Pope says about climate change, and the need for a more spiritual approach to the meaning and value of life, but take issue with the teaching of the church on birth control. Even if we get the rest of our house in order, the house is already too crowded.
7
I'm a lapse Catholic, but I like this guy more and more... It will be interesting to see if moral persuasion has any real power.
5
Science is what we can prove. Technology is what uses we make of what we can prove. This man is simply reminding us we are making poor choices.
5
Francis incarnates the good side of the Jesuits (they have another side). But he should be careful. Look what happened to the last Pope who dared to launch reform of the ossified and corrupt Vatican
Albino Luciani, Pope Paul I, a vigorous man in perfect health, was "found dead" -- murdered just over a month into his reign by those who stood to lose if he pursued his reforms.
So when I see Francis in procession, without protection,I have to do the best I can prayer-wise, that he continues to advocate for human values, including -- some day I hope - the right of women to control their own bodies.
Albino Luciani, Pope Paul I, a vigorous man in perfect health, was "found dead" -- murdered just over a month into his reign by those who stood to lose if he pursued his reforms.
So when I see Francis in procession, without protection,I have to do the best I can prayer-wise, that he continues to advocate for human values, including -- some day I hope - the right of women to control their own bodies.
4
It's fascinating to watch some politicos like Jeb! and Marco Rubio pick and choose which tenets of the Catholic church they will follow. Same goes for Bill Donahue of the Catholic League. I guess the Pope is only infallible when he makes a pronouncement that squares with the beliefs of their deep pocketed funders.
As for me, although I'm neither Catholic nor religious, I applaud the Pope!
As for me, although I'm neither Catholic nor religious, I applaud the Pope!
13
World beware!
There is a holy alliance of atheists, agnostics, people of good faith everywhere, and this pope on saving your future.
How wonderful! People who care, take heart!
There is a holy alliance of atheists, agnostics, people of good faith everywhere, and this pope on saving your future.
How wonderful! People who care, take heart!
11
I can certainly join the applause for Pope Francis and commend his self-evident conviction and sincerity. That, however, is as far as it goes. Those who wield the levers of power are uninterested in the health of the planet or preservation of the biosphere. "Respect for others and the planet" is, for the powerful, something that interferes with profit, limits consumerism and admits that there are limits. Pointing out that their way is one of devastation is shouting to the deaf.
8
Too bad some obviously troubled kid from South Carolina stepped in and demoted this extraordinarily important long term development to "below the fold."
8
Looks like Ross Douthat is going to have to convert. Again.
9
I never thought I'd say this: But three cheers for the Pope!
11
Finally, a pope channeling the true spirit of Jesus. I am not a Christian but I so admire this pope for making religious theology relevant to the world again.
14
Above all, Francis has championed the interests of the poor. In climate politics, that outlook would support the endorsement of the demands of underdeveloped nations for subsidies as compensation for the harms wealthy economies have cause them. The Pope's decision to refrain from advocating the interests of the underdeveloped world strikes me as a compromise of his principles in the interest of consensus. However well intended his overall message, the Pope's abandonment of the interests of the poorest on earth is hardly Christian.
I'm not a scientist, but this makes sense to me. It's conservative to protect and preserve the environment, natural resources and human capital. Maybe I'm not a pointy headed, NYTimes liberal after all!
6
I'm an atheist but I do love this Pope!
12
Those who criticized the Pope were PRECISELY CORECT in labeling the encyclical an attack on those who want to protect and continue to sell their personally developed confabulations around science, and an attack on single minded, rapacious, bottom line driven capitalism. While critics may be upset by the truth, the truth stands.
16
I am really proud as a Catholic and as an Argentine that this Pope is attempting to drive such huge change. Will it be enough? I have no idea. He has always been a champion of the poor and the forlorn and now he can look anybody in the face and tell them his truth about ANYTHING (politics, economy, the environment, social issues, poverty, war, death penalty, etc.).
10
I'm not religious in any way but I like this Pope!
9
I am religious, but not a Christian. I don't care for the Pope or any other religious leaders talking about science positions. This is not a faith based ideology, or at least it shouldn't be. I find it awful to see this in the science section. Not a fan.
The right in America always looks at everything through the prism of Capitalism and not on the future of the planet, they should realize that whoever creates the alternatives to fossil fuels will control the coming century. True entrepreneurs should look at this as an opportunity not a threat to the "American way".
13
That's the Pope the world has been waiting for a long time. First of all, I appreciate his efforts in putting an end to clerical sexual abuse. This is real progress! And his engagement in the climate change issues is another proof of his willingness to make a difference.
10
Just as a general rebuttal to those who would deny that climate change is happening, let me just say: what if it isn't? Does it not matter that many kinds of fish that were plentiful 50 years ago are now scarce? Does it not matter that huge, huge swaths of forest have been cut down on every continent, and innumerable plant and animal species have gone with them? Does it not matter that possible cures for dozens of diseases will not be discovered among the myriad species that are lost forever?
Can you deny that the air in large parts of China, India and several other countries is unbreathable? Or that there are huge quantities of plastic garbage in the seas? Or that fresh water is becoming ever more scarce in many parts of the world?
It would be great if we didn't have this rapid, human-induced climate change going on, because it would be nice to have one less problem.
Can you deny that the air in large parts of China, India and several other countries is unbreathable? Or that there are huge quantities of plastic garbage in the seas? Or that fresh water is becoming ever more scarce in many parts of the world?
It would be great if we didn't have this rapid, human-induced climate change going on, because it would be nice to have one less problem.
12
Geesh, a forward thinking Pope! How rare is that? What would be nice is to see Catholic priests worldwide, discuss the issue of climate change from the altar and teach how each of us can be more responsible about the physical world we live in.
7
I have been reading the Pope's encyclical today, and am about halfway through it. It is a tour de force that eloquently and incisively combines science, policy and theology to deliver a formidable case for protecting the Earth from environmental depredation.
The encyclical is addressed to all beings on the planet, not just Catholics. The document is must reading.
Kudos to Pope Francis for this masterful, timely and urgent communication.
The encyclical is addressed to all beings on the planet, not just Catholics. The document is must reading.
Kudos to Pope Francis for this masterful, timely and urgent communication.
19
It is sad to see even the Pontiff believing the big LIE. CO2 lags temperature changes and patterns over hundreds of thousands of years reflect this over and over. CO2 is about 1% of the atmosphere by volume and has continued to rise for years...slowly...yet temperature has flattened and/or dropped since around 1998. Every scientific model has failed no matter what combination of carbon formula they brew! They state how puzzled they are not recognizing how blind they are...it doesn't work because Carbon IS NOT DRIVING CLIMATE. CO2 is not a pollutant! It is non-toxic below several thousand parts-per-million such as Dry Ice in a small closed space.
Un-intended consequences may be to keep millions of the poor in abject poverty when forbidden to develop the oil beneath their feet in one example (Africa).
Un-intended consequences may be to keep millions of the poor in abject poverty when forbidden to develop the oil beneath their feet in one example (Africa).
4
Nonsense. Total unscientific nonsense that defies what expert climatologists have observed and concluded.
7
Tell that to the people of Florida when it's too late to save their properties because of the impending rise of sea level.
4
Yeah, all that extraction of oil is really lifting the people of Nigeria out of poverty, isn't it?
8
What does every Republican politician who uttered the words "I'm not a scientist" say now?
I guess it just continues,
I guess it just continues,
16
So the Pope has embraced the "scientific consensus," has he? Nothing new there. Another Pope did the same when Galileo challenged the scientific consensus way back when.
4
People seem unaware that it was a Catholic priest who developed the Big Bang Theory. Popes since then have stated that evolution and Catholic doctrine are not contradictory.
12
It's always helpful to consult historical facts when contructing an analogy involving historical figures. In this case your attempt falls flat; Galileo's primary persecuters were the Inquisition and Cardinal Robert Bellarmine - not the Pope. And even if the Pope had piled on, there is virtually no comparison to Pope Francis in any detail. There is, in fact, so much that is new here it's beyond evaluation.
7
The critical aspect of the analogy is that the sheep and the shepherds are in cahoots now, as they were then. There was "consensus" back then, just as there is today. In the case of Galileo, the mob and the powers-that-were rejected real, testable science. This time, they have once again embraced a methodology that is essentially faith-based and unscientific, one that employs "models." Those who design those "models" are out to "prove" what they want to prove. It is utterly impossible to identify all the variables that might be relevant to a conclusive understanding of climate, much less incorporate them into some model that can be subject to the testing that scientific method requires. To impose public policy on the basis of conclusions conjured up by this hocus-pocus is reprehensible.
3
Attack on capitalism. Please.
Addressing climate change poses one of the greatest economic opportunities in generations. We could lead the world with new technologies -- as we have before with overwhelmingly positive consequences for society and the economy. Maybe this is the tack to take in order to change the views of obtuse politicians and deniers.
Addressing climate change poses one of the greatest economic opportunities in generations. We could lead the world with new technologies -- as we have before with overwhelmingly positive consequences for society and the economy. Maybe this is the tack to take in order to change the views of obtuse politicians and deniers.
16
You're right. The opportunities are tremendous. We just have to get past the environmentalists. Literally. Take fracking. The problems are technologically quite easily fixed. The "sky is falling" mentality of environmentalists makes progress very difficult. They have a tendency to slam on not just the brakes but the equivalent of LoJack and then refuse to budge. They are actually an impediment to progress in the energy field because they are so fearful.
1
Go spend a week in north east PA and, while the sky may not be falling, you will see a blighted environment complete with poisoned streams & lakes and a local economy that was hoodwinked with lies & deceptions about jobs that were never offered to the local population. Greed is not a technological problem and until you find a "fix" for it, fracking will contimue to destroy American communities.
2
Hope your view prevails. Humans are a mistake of evolution. It would be best for the earth and its inhabitants if that evil species would disappear. Sincerely yours, Noah
1
The more we hear from this Pope, the more we like him.
15
I'm starting to believe this is not a Pope of the Catholic church but rather of the Neo-Progressive Church of Left-Wing Ideology. He is certainly supporting all the issues of the far left and with this latest pronouncement even "Believes" in Global Warming against all the evidence to the contrary.
1
It's almost enough to make you question your labels, isn't it, Andrew!
2
what evidence to the contrary? Inquiring (but not credulous) minds would like to know
2
The Pope is clearly a master at spending other people's money. It's particularly sad that he has bought into the way of spending lots of money for no likely benefit. The Pope has not influence on China (by far the world's biggest CO2 emitter) and they are most likely laughing at the likely effect that plan will have in further crippling Europe.
2
The right's response to this - especially the responses of the 5 Catholic presidential candidates - clearly reveal that they worship capitalism more fervently than their stated religion; and that their views of science align with those held by the Church of the 17th century and not the Church of the 21st century.
13
Encouraging to see a world-wide symbol of moral authority use his influence for something other than attacking American Catholic nuns.
8
Interesting article from NY Times :) It makes reference to Pope Francis today released Encyclical. In witch he denounces GMOs and Pesticides/Poisons for environmental and social damage.
How do you feel and what do you think about Pope Francis' following statements on GMO and Pesticides/Poisons?
• He calls for the financing of independent and interdisciplinary research to study GMOs: "135. [...] This [GMO] is a complex environmental issue; it calls for a comprehensive approach which would require, at the very least, greater efforts to finance various lines of independent, interdisciplinary research capable of shedding new light on the problem."
• "134. [...] The expansion of these [GM] crops has the effect of destroying the complex network of ecosystems, diminishing the diversity of production and affecting regional economies, now and in the future. In various countries, we see an expansion of oligopolies for the production of cereals and other products needed for their cultivation. This dependency would be aggravated were the production of infertile seeds to be considered; the effect would be to force farmers to purchase them from larger producers."
Source at http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-fra...
How do you feel and what do you think about Pope Francis' following statements on GMO and Pesticides/Poisons?
• He calls for the financing of independent and interdisciplinary research to study GMOs: "135. [...] This [GMO] is a complex environmental issue; it calls for a comprehensive approach which would require, at the very least, greater efforts to finance various lines of independent, interdisciplinary research capable of shedding new light on the problem."
• "134. [...] The expansion of these [GM] crops has the effect of destroying the complex network of ecosystems, diminishing the diversity of production and affecting regional economies, now and in the future. In various countries, we see an expansion of oligopolies for the production of cereals and other products needed for their cultivation. This dependency would be aggravated were the production of infertile seeds to be considered; the effect would be to force farmers to purchase them from larger producers."
Source at http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-fra...
4
I believe the pope's opinions on markets and products, although heartfelt and with the best of intentions, should be taken quite differently from his opinions on religion and faith.
2
To AACNY:
If you complain the Pope is not giving you good advice on how to better exploit others to make more money for yourself, then you are right, but I do not think that is the obligation or the mission of Pope Francis.
If you complain the Pope is not giving you good advice on how to better exploit others to make more money for yourself, then you are right, but I do not think that is the obligation or the mission of Pope Francis.
2
Two cheers to Pope Francis, but I reserve a third until I hear how the Church will amend some of their policies that have contributed to the problem by perpetuating the impoverishment of women by denying them access to or information about birth control and do more than just stand on their holy soapbox and ask others to sacrifice so they can continue business as usual. Because the reality of the problem is that IT IS NOT JUST THE BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS AND POLLUTION THAT ARE THE PROBLEM BUT THE FACT THAT TOO MANY PEOPLE AND INDUSTIRES ARE DOING THE BURNING AND POLLUTING! The hard truth is that if the Church is going to continue to stand against abortion and contraceptive use, then they will only hasten the climatological disaster and loss of ecosystems, intensify the struggle to survive in an even more violent, lawless world, and threaten humanity with a suffocating death. We've put ourselves in the bottleneck of our planet's ability to sustain human life as we know it. If they think God still commands us to be fruitful and multiply, then they need to get their heads out of Jesus' donkey's ass and they might hear God whispering it's time to put a cork in it.
10
I have never before seen a Pope like Francis. From his diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Cuba, and his righteous stand in the Middle East to his declaration about climate change; this is a man of God who is also a man of this world in every way.
As a lapsed Catholic, I always knew that the Papacy had enormous potential power to do great things for the world but until Francis came along I never really saw it. I am so encouraged to see this man put theory into practice beginning with the virtue of humility. It is remarkable the way that he brings together faith and science. It is a reminder that actions have consequences and that those consequences must be considered with advances in science. Science and morality should not be held to be mutually exclusive. I’ve been cynical for way too long but Pope Francis is changing that. He is making me feel hopeful again.
Every leader is going to be attacked. It comes with being a leader. The Pope’s work is arduous and difficult and many obstacles remain but he is using his office to lead the charge for justice and if he can inspire other people the way he has inspired me, than we might have a better and more humane future for ourselves and our children.
As a lapsed Catholic, I always knew that the Papacy had enormous potential power to do great things for the world but until Francis came along I never really saw it. I am so encouraged to see this man put theory into practice beginning with the virtue of humility. It is remarkable the way that he brings together faith and science. It is a reminder that actions have consequences and that those consequences must be considered with advances in science. Science and morality should not be held to be mutually exclusive. I’ve been cynical for way too long but Pope Francis is changing that. He is making me feel hopeful again.
Every leader is going to be attacked. It comes with being a leader. The Pope’s work is arduous and difficult and many obstacles remain but he is using his office to lead the charge for justice and if he can inspire other people the way he has inspired me, than we might have a better and more humane future for ourselves and our children.
19
I've been meaning to divest my small stock portfolio from fossil fuel, but didn't get around to it. My priorities were wrong. I'm doing it today because of Pope Francis' encyclical.
16
Alas, swift action is impossible by now. If only the world had acted 25 years ago.
4
Impossible is a useless concept. What can be done is what matters!
2
Well, Papa Frankie has really caused consternation with those pious Catholic Republicans Bush, Rubio, Jindal, et al. First he focused on poverty and income inequality. Now he zeroed in on climate change. Maybe these Catholics or evangelicals will find another religion that will lend credence to their callousness greed and scientific idiocy.
13
Well, the GOP started their presidential race at Liberty College (Church). They spouted off the usual conservative rhetoric and lies attempting to incite extreemism‘s emotions to run out there and vote for the conservatives. Now, the Pope stands up, tells the truth, wants the church‘s followers to do something about global warming and according to the conservatives, the Pope isn't qualified to speak on the subject. The Pope is also well educated, read the research, spoke with many experts and took a stance. He did not personally run out there and do the research any more than the conservative block went out and studied all of the fields of psychology to which they so flagrantly abuse to attempt to control huge blocks of people.
12
Liberty College, founded by segregationist Jerry Falwell, is among the last places as a source of science.
3
Glad the Pope is taking a stand. Unfortunately, like with most of humanity, it's a day late and dollar short. Climate change is already here, folks. I love the pols debating whether it exists or not. Oh, the stupidity...
12
The Pope's message is simple: we are the stewards of the Earth, not owners, Everything else cascades down from this belief. Rest assured, there will be logical arguments launched to discredit this responsibility and its connection to the human soul. For example, the devastation of the atom bomb saved lives by ending WWII sooner than later. Stopping wars is an integral part of our stewardship. Can it be done? We have to try and the leadership of people like the Pope is required.
11
And I'm sure the Catholic Church, the richest non-profit on the planet, will want to make a very sizeable contribution to the cost of any program designed to address the effects of climate change world wide.
3
Perhaps they will; while there is much about the Roman Catholic church that I find odious I have to accept facts. Catholic charities & missions in Africa have done more on a human level than all other charitable & philanthropic entities combined to pick up after the monstrous crime of colonial exploitation by the "civilized" nations of Europe. To envision the same effort in support of climate change related efforts isn't really far fetched.
5
He just did. You heard the message and so did the rest of the world. There will be no excuse once it's too late for change.
5
I think it's wonderful that Pope Francis actually walks the walk of Christianity here. By conscientiously becoming aware of the suffering around us we come to recognize how much of the world's political and economic systems are invested in our continued denial. Certainly embracing stewardship of our planet as a tenet of Christian faith fits within this context. What is critically missing, of course, is family planning; recognizing that global human population increase will drive us further out of balance with the planet's carrying capacity. Without this element, nothing mentioned in the 186 pages makes as much impact.
4
Learn to advance in steps, even if that is not all you want. To state Pope Francis' encyclical is useless because it does not meet all your requirements is what is actually purposeless Chris.
This atheist is firmly behind Pope Francis.
5
Pope Francis Encyclical reminds me of another of my favorite philosophers, Terrence McKenna who also believed that we must find a way to re-establish a personal connection with the natural world. As a part of the whole eco-system we give others a chance to hope for a better, happier, more fulfilling future by emphasizing the importance of human relationships that are more valuable than materialistic consumerism. We should be moved to tears at every single breath of life that we observe and work to establish a reverence for nature, not domination, and in doing so make the pursuit of the beautiful: art, dance, music, song our lasting legacy.
4
Liberals who call Catholic leaders misogynists for failure to allow women in the priesthood, say papal rulings on abortion, birth control and use of condoms and Plan B meds are archaic and anti woman, and draconian, now suddenly see the Pope as an enlightened guiding star for agreeing with them about the climate. You can't swim in this hypocrisy even while it's over your head - it's just too thick.
1
It's always about ideology and whether you agree with it. All the rest is just noise. As long as you see things their way, you're in tight.
If you actually bother to read the comments of the "liberals" here you will find most comments praise Pope Francis on his stands against pollution, climate change, and abuse of humans by the cult of the Capitalism, but they also criticize Pope Francia for not talking against overpopulation, and by not allowing birth control or abortion.
1
What the hypocrisy? This liberal atheist is glad the leader of the Catholic Church is finally going to get his minions, many of whom have gone astray by following the GOP in the US, to address some issues I find important. Thanks for catching up, Pope, and thanks for putting the whip to Catholic laggards who prioritize Mammon.
2
Hard to not praise this pope enough. Fantastic individual in every way.
3
As an Atheist Agnostic I applaud the moral leadership of Pope Francis. To give resonance to a frequently used cliche I want to state that it is unfortunate that while Pope Francis has changed my mind about his capacity to provide an excellent example for society in many areas, even when not yet on women's rights or the need for birth control to reduce poverty, however he seems much more consistent with his actions, than Obama and other opportunistic hope peddlers with power to make a difference, have been.
2
What a leader!
Whether or not you're a Catholic, you've got to love the guy, and respect him.
Whether or not you're a Catholic, you've got to love the guy, and respect him.
7
From only a cursory reading of the Pope's very lengthy encyclical, it seems glaringly obvious that this document is almost sinfully evasive of the absolute necessity for religious leaders to reinterpret the biblical directive to be fruitful and MULTIPLY. Perhaps I have overlooked a papal call for birth and population controls, but I sadly doubt it.
3
The pope is calling for habits of self-control in a lot of areas.
1
Climate change deniers rage on about scientific uncertainty (where there is little) and lament impacts on profits and gravely intone how the market place is being deprived of its role as arbiter of mankind's response. Their arguments revolve primarily around economics and the prohibitions on ownership and consumption, and how curtailing these will limit freedom and reduce the material standards by which they choose to measure success and value and award privilege.
The Pope's emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis is wise on multiple counts. By speaking of the Earth as our common home, he opens the discussion to the vast majority of people who lack the academic background to evaluate reams of data. This is essentially house keeping - we all must make less garbage, and be responsible for cleaning it up and disposing of it responsibly. It dismisses the deniers' attempts to insert uncertainty into the discussion and explicitly warns that technology will not solve what is primarily a crisis of acquisitiveness and ethics.
These intertwined crises of materialism, pollution and climate change are not primarily about economic growth and sterile data points. They are about the global ecosystem shattered by greed, and the increasing multitudes of people and animals that suffer and die as a result.
The Pope's emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis is wise on multiple counts. By speaking of the Earth as our common home, he opens the discussion to the vast majority of people who lack the academic background to evaluate reams of data. This is essentially house keeping - we all must make less garbage, and be responsible for cleaning it up and disposing of it responsibly. It dismisses the deniers' attempts to insert uncertainty into the discussion and explicitly warns that technology will not solve what is primarily a crisis of acquisitiveness and ethics.
These intertwined crises of materialism, pollution and climate change are not primarily about economic growth and sterile data points. They are about the global ecosystem shattered by greed, and the increasing multitudes of people and animals that suffer and die as a result.
3
The problem with arguing that overpopulation is the cause of our environmental crisis is that there is a paradox.
We know that when countries industrialize and emancipate women, the birth rates go down (this is called demographic transition). Japan and Russia actually have negative growth rates.
This means that the best way to solve our population problem is to industrialize third world countries with high birth rates and emancipate the women in those countries. This will result in decreases in birth rates.
However, it was the Industrial Revolution that caused climate change because the Industrial Revolution was only possible when humans started digging up fossil fuels and using them as a source of energy. The carbon contained in fossil fuels is not part of the natural carbon cycle (photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the air and respiration adds carbon dioxide to the air). Before humans started burning fossil fuels the carbon cycle was a steady state. Once humans began burning fossil fuels, this disrupted the carbon cycle and caused an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Because of the law of conservation of energy, increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will necessarily cause the earth to warm because greenhouse gases prevent the loss of infrared radiation to outer space.
Industrializing third world countries will solve our population problem, but it will also exacerbate the problem of global warming.
We know that when countries industrialize and emancipate women, the birth rates go down (this is called demographic transition). Japan and Russia actually have negative growth rates.
This means that the best way to solve our population problem is to industrialize third world countries with high birth rates and emancipate the women in those countries. This will result in decreases in birth rates.
However, it was the Industrial Revolution that caused climate change because the Industrial Revolution was only possible when humans started digging up fossil fuels and using them as a source of energy. The carbon contained in fossil fuels is not part of the natural carbon cycle (photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the air and respiration adds carbon dioxide to the air). Before humans started burning fossil fuels the carbon cycle was a steady state. Once humans began burning fossil fuels, this disrupted the carbon cycle and caused an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Because of the law of conservation of energy, increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will necessarily cause the earth to warm because greenhouse gases prevent the loss of infrared radiation to outer space.
Industrializing third world countries will solve our population problem, but it will also exacerbate the problem of global warming.
1
Industrialization will not solve the overpopulation problem, and may in fact accelerate it.
1
I would seriously ask people to think twice before accepting economic advice from an Argentine. The biggest victims of his Climate Change policies will be the poor. To make energy less carbon-based means making it significantly more expensive to those who are trying to build a better life.
If Francis wants to help the poor, I'd ask him to revisit the Church's contraception policies.
If Francis wants to help the poor, I'd ask him to revisit the Church's contraception policies.
1
I wish the Pope would also speak about censorship in modern society especially censorship in newspaper of record's comment section who's end result is censorship of diverging views for future researchers.
4
As an Atheist Agnostic I applaud the moral leadership of Pope Francis. And I ask you forgive me for using a frequently repeated cliche, but I want to add my voice to lament how unfortunate it is that while Pope Francis has changed my mind about his capacity to provide a positive example for society in many areas, even when not yet on women's rights or the need for birth control to reduce poverty, however he seems much more consistent with his actions, than Obama and other opportunistic hope peddlers who are in positions of power, but whose actions are as despicable as those now about to perpetrated with the TPP trade pact to transfer the richness of the World to a few thousand persons on Earth.
5
Nominating for World Leader and possible sainthood. But before sainthood, he needs to address population control. Certainly has my vote today. A man of compassion, justice, intelligence and reason. Perhaps there is some hope for the planet and humanity after all.
7
Until we solve belligerence between nations we will continue to harvest petroleum to build weapons, which ironically -- will kill us.
4
In a small town in India (less than 10 thousand population); I went to a Catholic School (St. Joseph's Convent High School). The preliminiary education in Sciences, Arts, Literature and Painting (when I was in my Nursery) are one of the best that I have ever seen. My sister went to the same school with me.
We were not Catholics; but we were proud of our schooling and of also our cultural and Indian heritage, simultaneously. I later studied Engineering and work in Finance in NYC.
With respect to the Pope; if one may allow me a word, I will say "Superb"!
We were not Catholics; but we were proud of our schooling and of also our cultural and Indian heritage, simultaneously. I later studied Engineering and work in Finance in NYC.
With respect to the Pope; if one may allow me a word, I will say "Superb"!
14
For the Catholics running for president they have a choice: Do they side with the Pope or the Koch Brothers? Likely the Koch Brothers.
15
To Rick Malwitz from Somerset NJ:
Since I began to reason I noticed people just state they believe in something such as a religion for their own convenience, such as in eternal life, but once they have to act they do whatever provides with immediate rewards and then hope they will be forgiven for their recurring chicanery.
So, yes, people adore Gold not God or fairness or justice.
Since I began to reason I noticed people just state they believe in something such as a religion for their own convenience, such as in eternal life, but once they have to act they do whatever provides with immediate rewards and then hope they will be forgiven for their recurring chicanery.
So, yes, people adore Gold not God or fairness or justice.
1
Climate Change, not long ago referred to as Global Warming, is one of the greatest threats to global civilization. A genuine study of the evidence reveals that Climate Change, whatever that means, it not what we've been told.
The scientific community has betrayed us! We need to think for ourselves! Study the patterns, connect the dots, and you'll see for yourself a global agenda.
The meek shall NOT inherit the Earth but will be led into servitude instead. Expect less for all but the chosen few if we continue to follow them. Don't be fooled. Let your heart (not your head) be your guide.
The scientific community has betrayed us! We need to think for ourselves! Study the patterns, connect the dots, and you'll see for yourself a global agenda.
The meek shall NOT inherit the Earth but will be led into servitude instead. Expect less for all but the chosen few if we continue to follow them. Don't be fooled. Let your heart (not your head) be your guide.
1
Says the Texan whose state prays for rain when they need it. How's that working out for you?
3
Like many other popes, this pope is an intellectual, which has been defined as an expert in one subject who issues public opinions only on other subjects for which he has no expertise.
Defined by whom? Source, please. Or, like so many others, are you just making it up?
1
I always believed humans were a form of bacteria. Like rats that multiply until they reach an apogee at which time 90% of them are eliminated. i.e. a self-administered suicide. Humans are exactly on the same path except with forethought. I wonder if previous ice ages were a result of manufacturing. However, in this day and age I would blame the Catholics for multiplying ad infinitum. Don't they know that holding the pill, a truly Intelligent Design, between their knees is ineffective. In conclusion, population expansion control is a must as a first real step to prevent excessive suffering. Wouldn't it be Smart Thinking to have a few thousand suffer than many millions?
5
To Alex Nodopaka:
Great comment, in general, Alex, but I did not understand the part that says "Wouldn't it be Smart Thinking to have a few thousand suffer than many millions?"
Could you explain me that?
Great comment, in general, Alex, but I did not understand the part that says "Wouldn't it be Smart Thinking to have a few thousand suffer than many millions?"
Could you explain me that?
This Pope is showing himself to be the moral leader of humanity at a time when there is no other such leader.
The idea stated publicly by one Catholic Republican who is one of many candidates for the job of POTUS just commented that the Pope needs to "Leave religion to us" and science to the scientists. Whom did he have in mind? Global warming and the devastating effects it can have on the planet transcends such small minded, nit-picking distinctions at a time of increasing peril to life on Earth.
The idea stated publicly by one Catholic Republican who is one of many candidates for the job of POTUS just commented that the Pope needs to "Leave religion to us" and science to the scientists. Whom did he have in mind? Global warming and the devastating effects it can have on the planet transcends such small minded, nit-picking distinctions at a time of increasing peril to life on Earth.
10
What about his associated remarks on abortion? Or do you pick and choose which papal opinions you choose to endorse???
As a retired engineer and Catholic who has followed this politicized debate about "Man-Made Global Warming" for 15 years I am very disappointed with the Pope using the false notion that CO2 is causing warming as a horse to ride & condemn cheap fossil fuel energy, which has done more to reduce poverty than almost anything else. CO2 is NOT a pollutant.
@Allen Rogers
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is not harmless. CO2 at 40% concentration is used to euthanize lab rats. At lower concentrations, CO2 traps heat. An out-of-date engineering degree is trumped by modern science.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is not harmless. CO2 at 40% concentration is used to euthanize lab rats. At lower concentrations, CO2 traps heat. An out-of-date engineering degree is trumped by modern science.
3
That's nice you've followed the debate but have you followed the research? It's pretty clear.
2
Unfortunately your off-balance assertions about CO2 tend to detract from an important consideration raised by your point regarding cheap energy and reduction of world-wide poverty. In what branch of engineering is it normal practice to disregard the need to strike a fruitful balance between contrary forces and objectives?
1
It is sad and telling to watch the reactions of leading Republicans. JEB and Rubio are both Catholic -- JEB has been making statements which are simply embarrassing:
“I hope I’m not going to get castigated for saying this by my priest back home, but I don’t get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinal or my pope,” the former Florida governor said. “I think religion ought to be about making us better as people and less about things that end up getting in the political realm.”
JEB seems to believe that "making us better people" has nothing to do with one's political or business conduct. Apparently Republicans are like the medieval nobility -- rape, pillage, murder are the course of business and the purpose of religion is easy absolution.
This Pope doesn't sell indulgences.
“I hope I’m not going to get castigated for saying this by my priest back home, but I don’t get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinal or my pope,” the former Florida governor said. “I think religion ought to be about making us better as people and less about things that end up getting in the political realm.”
JEB seems to believe that "making us better people" has nothing to do with one's political or business conduct. Apparently Republicans are like the medieval nobility -- rape, pillage, murder are the course of business and the purpose of religion is easy absolution.
This Pope doesn't sell indulgences.
17
I think it's interesting that Jeb feels he can slap an "economics" label on the topic and get away with it.
If that's the case then isn't family planning an economics issue as well?
If that's the case then isn't family planning an economics issue as well?
2
Evangelical Christian biblical literalists are in the crosshairs when Pope Francis "...chastises those who cite Genesis as evidence that man has “dominion” over earth.", because these are the same people who deny science and hide behind Genesis, saying our planet is only 6,000 years old! In section 18 (Chapter 1) of the encyclical, the Pope even refers to "the natural slowness of biological evolution" (!!), which will surely cause all Evangelicals heads to explode! Keep speaking the truth to the powerful, monied interests, Pope Francis!
22
Pope Francis' encyclical is a breath of fresh air (literally) from the Catholic Church. However, his blindness to the fact that the Catholic prohibition on birth control contributes to irresponsible population growth and stress on natural environments is unfortunate. The Church needs to respect the right of women (and men) to choose when they bring new humans into the world. It also needs to recognize that abstinence from sex is not a sensible alternative to medical birth control. We are not living in the middle ages. The Catholic Church needs to recognize that responsible birth control is moral.
12
Most of the overpopulation problem exists in Muslim, Hindu and Shamanist nations, not exactly areas where the Pope have lots of followers.
4
There are certain Catholics who make every issue about abortion, no matter how tenuous the connection. (Usually as a way of deflecting from the topic at hand). I've noticed that more recently, other folks- Catholics or not- will say similar things using birth control, women's ordination, etc, as the distraction.
There is certainly room for discussion whether population control is necessary for sustainability. (A leading scientist at the press event around the encyclical argued it was not)
But I think sometimes the perfect might be the enemy of the good. When something very good happens, I think maybe we should once in while come together around it instead of parsing how its really not good enough. If we could accomplish half the things this encyclical calls for, it would be revolutionary. Maybe what it does NOT say can wait for another day.
There is certainly room for discussion whether population control is necessary for sustainability. (A leading scientist at the press event around the encyclical argued it was not)
But I think sometimes the perfect might be the enemy of the good. When something very good happens, I think maybe we should once in while come together around it instead of parsing how its really not good enough. If we could accomplish half the things this encyclical calls for, it would be revolutionary. Maybe what it does NOT say can wait for another day.
3
Woo Hoo! Let's get behind the Pope! Now that we have climate change out of the way, let's take up another one of his Papal opinions and finally outlaw abortion which is the murder of the unborn! Wait, where'd everybody go? Religion is not meant to be a convenient thing folks, and don't put the man on a pedestal unless you're willing to buy the entire package. But then again, environmentalists do have a rich history of cherry picking their advocates. Anybody remember Ira Einhorn? The wonderful founder of EarthDay, who also kept the decomposing body of his girlfriend in a trunk in his apartment. So love the Pope and his strong messages for the faithful, but remember that those messages are not meant to be a Chinese Menu
2
So you believe we need to agree with everything someone says-- that's for sheep-le, not people.
Family planning is a deeply personal issue that needs to be decided by individuals.
The condition of the planet is something all of us share and are impacted by. It makes sense to come together on this issue.
The condition of the planet is something all of us share and are impacted by. It makes sense to come together on this issue.
1
I'm an agnostic Humanist, but I like Papa Frank, and he's clearly one of the most universally loved pontiffs in a long time. Have you noticed that there seem to be only two groups that don't like him? -- Violent, extreme Islamic fascists and the extreme right-wing in America. That's significant. In my opinion, these groups are two sides of the same coin, differing only by accident of indoctrination & currently the two most destructive on the planet.
20
St. Francis is smiling down on Pope Francis...as am I.
14
me too
As a profound atheist, I have never had the opportunity to agree on anything done by whomever is, from time to time, the pope in Rome.
But the Jesuits trained the current pope well. While theoretically worldly matters should not be within his jurisdiction, he is spot on right about climate change and the acidification and death of the oceans.
The misfortune for humanity is that a world authority with the jurisdiction and power to take the immediate steps to stop the folly of pollution of our little planet is not even contemplated by grasping politicians running nation states where each competes and fights with the others. The nation state model is failing humanity in so many ways.
The U.S. leads the Pax Americana and is the second largest polluter on the planet (behind China). Can the U.S. take the lead in Paris to do something of substance for humanity? Before 2011?
But the Jesuits trained the current pope well. While theoretically worldly matters should not be within his jurisdiction, he is spot on right about climate change and the acidification and death of the oceans.
The misfortune for humanity is that a world authority with the jurisdiction and power to take the immediate steps to stop the folly of pollution of our little planet is not even contemplated by grasping politicians running nation states where each competes and fights with the others. The nation state model is failing humanity in so many ways.
The U.S. leads the Pax Americana and is the second largest polluter on the planet (behind China). Can the U.S. take the lead in Paris to do something of substance for humanity? Before 2011?
7
We actually might be the biggest polluter, still. Afterall, we are burning the most gasoline of any country.
1
When will the Pope do the most obvious good that he can do, and call for the use of birth control to save lives, as well as to save the planet?
6
What say you Catholic Republicans opposing the scientific data that proves beyond a doubt that we are to blame for everything that is wrong with planet earth? Act now under edict from your lord and master.
1
I was rather conservative during my youth and I am still conservative on some issues. Here's what I don't get about the conservative view on resources and the environment. Conservatives preach that the wealthy get ahead yes, due to talent and effort, but also because they fold their earnings back into their enterprises instead of "running out and spending it like a wild [whatever]." Why is it, then that they urge us to (allow a few of them to) run out and spend our resources "like a wild Republican?" These guys are no more conservative than they are conservationist. They're just con artists. Some of them should be cons.
12
To those who scoff at liberals pointing to the Pope when he agrees with them on climate change but ignores him on abortion and gay marriage:
We are not pointing to the Pope for his support of OUR position. We are pointing at the Pope because those scoffers use the Pope to defend their position on abortion and gay marriage. If you use the Pope and religion for that, must you not use the Pope's position on climate change?
That is, you live by the Pope, you die by the Pope. Non-catholics don't rely on the Pope. You do. So go, rely! Don't be selective in your reliance.
We are not pointing to the Pope for his support of OUR position. We are pointing at the Pope because those scoffers use the Pope to defend their position on abortion and gay marriage. If you use the Pope and religion for that, must you not use the Pope's position on climate change?
That is, you live by the Pope, you die by the Pope. Non-catholics don't rely on the Pope. You do. So go, rely! Don't be selective in your reliance.
3
Not true. Our legal system doesn't allow theft or murder, the fact that the Catholic church is also against these things doesn't mean that theft and murder are solely religious issues.
This is called morality. Republicans abandoned it some time ago but most people still believe in some basic concepts of right and wrong. Destroying the planet and harming the life on it is generally thought to be wrong.
This is called morality. Republicans abandoned it some time ago but most people still believe in some basic concepts of right and wrong. Destroying the planet and harming the life on it is generally thought to be wrong.
After years of shame, scandal, rigidity, and prejudice, Pope Francis as the face of Catholicism makes the church look forward thinking and smart, a beacon of compassionate, intelligent thought.
10
I am not only delighted that Pope Francis has taken this course, but I am very impressed at how he has combined the environmental, economic and moral arguments. Somehow he does this in a way that seems more thoughtful, integrated and convincing that most world leaders. Now we can see how fully he has taken on the mantle of St. Francis. I hope he continues along this path. Like many others here, I am not religious, but I am a believer in this formidably intelligent, wise and kind man.
8
The papal encyclical on the environment is the most important statement about life on Earth to come from the Church in the last 100 years. I hope it will lead governments and corporations to take responsible and ethical actions to deal with climate change and the other threats to all forms of life on the planet.
Homero Aridjis, poet, president of the Group of 100
Homero Aridjis, poet, president of the Group of 100
7
Pope Francis makes a point that we ought to change our individual lifestyles in order to save Mother Planet, and that human selfishness is to blame for global warming!
4
The story of this decade and the many decades to come is being told by the Catholic pontiff through this encyclical. About living more simply and being more respectful to our one and only earth, not only for our own sake as human beings, but as 'stewards' of the natural world, a respect for all living beings.
I hope that the Pope's words inspire many to action. It is not so very long ago that human beings lived far more simply, many people just a few hundred years ago stayed close to their villages and towns throughout their lives, yet their appreciation for life and for living happily was no less than ours. Living simply does not need to equate with deprivation, one can simply say 'I have enough', having lots of material possessions and stockpiles of money does not necessarily equate with inner peace and true happiness.
I hope that the Pope's words inspire many to action. It is not so very long ago that human beings lived far more simply, many people just a few hundred years ago stayed close to their villages and towns throughout their lives, yet their appreciation for life and for living happily was no less than ours. Living simply does not need to equate with deprivation, one can simply say 'I have enough', having lots of material possessions and stockpiles of money does not necessarily equate with inner peace and true happiness.
12
Consumerism is the opium of the people.
1
The notion that we have a moral responsibility to protect the environment is neither new nor radical. The Pope is merely reminding his followers of what they should already know.
4
I suppose it's too obvious to note that massive overpopulation is the source of much of this misery, and the Catholic church is not only in denial of the effects of overpopulation but in fact encourages it.
5
The church has come a long way from Galileo.
5
When Galileo was around, the church endorsed the "scientific" consensus of its day. Precisely as it is doing now. "Long way?" Ha!
Let the Pope lead off with the climate change agenda. Have the church sell off it's wealth and donate it to stop climate change.
1
The Pope is a wolf in sheep's clothing, I always believed. He will side with the rich and powerful, as he always did for centuries on. I haven't read the pope's complete latin encyclical yet, but it seems to me that the pope doesn't point any finger at anyone and doesn't ask for reparation and restitution paid with the indecent amount of money sleeping in hidden financial shelters around the world that was amassed by the rich and powerful who destroyed the planete for money with the blessing of the Pope after the kissing of his ring by most leaders of the world.
The Pope has stated the obvious that most informed people already know : humanity is at dangerous turning point. Is he a brave man for stating the obvious ? No. To be bold, the Pope should have provided a road map to overcoming what he describes as the new plague : the rich's lack of conscience and care for the next generations. However, the point is that there is no viable solution for the terrible mess created by the rich and powerful of the world. There's no way to go back in time and take another road more suitable for humanity.
The radical changes that are necessary to save humanity were described by Jesus and God's law given by Moses. However, the Catholic Church and its leaders have rejected Jesus' message long ago and have sided with the rich and powerful. The result is a dead end that people refuse to see as many of them envy the rich and would behave like them if they were given the oportunity.
The Pope has stated the obvious that most informed people already know : humanity is at dangerous turning point. Is he a brave man for stating the obvious ? No. To be bold, the Pope should have provided a road map to overcoming what he describes as the new plague : the rich's lack of conscience and care for the next generations. However, the point is that there is no viable solution for the terrible mess created by the rich and powerful of the world. There's no way to go back in time and take another road more suitable for humanity.
The radical changes that are necessary to save humanity were described by Jesus and God's law given by Moses. However, the Catholic Church and its leaders have rejected Jesus' message long ago and have sided with the rich and powerful. The result is a dead end that people refuse to see as many of them envy the rich and would behave like them if they were given the oportunity.
9
such the skeptic. life lived so negatively is not lived but endured.
1
I'm not Catholic but Pope Francis is a spiritual and moral compass for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation or not. I never understood the popularity of the past popes who lived in lavish palaces with priceless artwork and surrounded by servants and out of touch with ordinary lives but feeling entitled to issue "eat cake" commandments. I want Francis to be the pope for a very very very long time.
2
Oh. Is there some proof that the globe is warming? I haven't seen that yet. I've seen the proof that the globe hasn't warmed at all over the past 20 years. I also believe 7 billion humans could conceivably warm the planet eventually which is why I am baffled that the Pope is against birth control of any form.
1
Pope Francis is a model for all disciples of Christ. He is a man who has been transformed by the Spirit to be the living image of Christ in the world, just as Christ intended all of his disciples to be transformed. Those who would claim that Christ's authority only extends over the private sphere of people's lives disclose their own rejection of his love and authority in their own lives.
1
I applaud the Pope for his general concerns but his understand of what drives innovation and improvement in the human condition is lacking. At his core, the Pope is a socialist and discounts positive impact of the system that he condemns. Human life has improved not because of goodwill toward men but because incentives to create, experiment and take risk exist. Communist doctrine is wonderful but hopelessly naive. Improvements can always take place and having religious and other leaders stress the importance of things beyond pure profits is always positive. However, asking people to simply play nice and be nice, is not an actual path to change
It's hard for me to take advice from someone who doesn't know the difference between communism and socialism.
1
If you actually believe the Pope & Co. were merely "asking people to simply play nice" and this would be completely ineffective at inducing change, I cannot see why you bother to invoke the uninformed and outdated ritualistic accusations of "socialism" and "communism". Please check your calendar. This is not 1960.
1
Socialism? Communism? Please check your calendar. We're not living in 1960. You might also want to consider more seriously your assumption that present socio-political arrangements are the only way to provide incentives and the liberty to create, experiment, take risk and - more generally - provide scope for individual initiative.
Those who incessantly invoke Jesus (Cruz, Carson, Huckabee, Walker, Jindal, to name only the most obvious) and those who control them (Charles and David Koch, to name only the most obvious) will now find themselves in the position of arguing against Christ's perceived representative on Earth, which will be very entertaining to say the least. On the one hand, they duck commenting on climate change by resorting to the (now overused) "I'm not a scientist" excuse, but dismiss the Pope because he's "not a scientist," conveniently ignoring his degree in chemistry. When he is an older man, I wonder what Marco Rubio Miami will say after Miami has slipped beneath the sea.
8
With just a smidgen of luck, no one will have the slightest interest in what Mr. Rubio thinkgs.
2
"apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology and political shortsightedness", in short, the Republicans.
3
With this remarkable encyclical regarding climate change from the Roman Catholic Church, let's hope their social conservative bedfellow—the Mormon Church (think Prop 8 in California at the bidding of the Catholic Church there)—will follow suit.
But don't hold your breath. The president (and prophet) of the Mormon Church is mentally slipping, the next in line (Boyd Packer) is on an oxygen tank, and the next in line after him is 90-year-old Russell Marion Nelson MD, a former thoracic and heart surgeon. HOWEVER it is my understanding (from speaking with BYU professors in the know) that Bro. Nelson is, unbelievably for a man of science and medicine, a climate change denier!
Let's hope there is some inspiration and revelation, quickly.
But don't hold your breath. The president (and prophet) of the Mormon Church is mentally slipping, the next in line (Boyd Packer) is on an oxygen tank, and the next in line after him is 90-year-old Russell Marion Nelson MD, a former thoracic and heart surgeon. HOWEVER it is my understanding (from speaking with BYU professors in the know) that Bro. Nelson is, unbelievably for a man of science and medicine, a climate change denier!
Let's hope there is some inspiration and revelation, quickly.
The man has an actual MSc in Chemistry, thus knows what the absorbance spectra of CO2 and Methane look like, has intelligence enough to put 2 and 2 together and integrity enough not to lie to people for money or power and obviously cares for people and the planet. May he live longer than I fear he will.
6
He should know since he does talk to the only one who makes the weather. Why of course, that Vice President Gore.
Hallelujah!
3
Bravo, Francis, a true mensch, performing a mitzvah. No, I am not Jewish, but they have all the best words.
4
Galileo would be so pleased with this turn of events.....to bad it has taken almost 400 years for the Catholic Church to come to its senses.
2
Thank you, Pope Francis!
This is such a straight up condemnation of conservative political platform! Condemnation of those in our society who plunder, loot and deface our planet for personal gain, and then turn around and say, shut up, we create jobs for you!
This is such a straight up condemnation of conservative political platform! Condemnation of those in our society who plunder, loot and deface our planet for personal gain, and then turn around and say, shut up, we create jobs for you!
7
I am 70 year old, former Catholic, and this is the first time I have heard the Pope say anything that seem relative to my life and which has a positive impact upon the human race.
7
With 184 pages, I hope there's an executive summary. He won't be know as "Francis the Terse"
1
I was raised Catholic, but rejected my religion at the time I had to make my confirmation. Typically, confirmation occurd at age 13, but our church pushed it back a year to keep us in catechism longer. The nuns kept threatening to hold us back so we'd be in catechism even longer. I remember the day before the ceremony our parents came to the church for our rehearsal. The nuns were finally nice, until our parents left the room. At that point, the head nun's face turned into a scowl and she said it wasn't too late to hold us back. My immediate -- and long lasting -- reaction was the whole thing is for the birds. I rejected my religion because the whole risk-reward thing seemed so, well, against my whole notion of what religion should be. Make your first communion so you go to heaven; go to confession so you can go to heaven; go to church every Sunday so you can go to heaven. It just didn't add up to me. What about treating people with compassion?
The years in between did little to redeem the church in my mind. Seemed like all it delivered was a steady drumbeat of vile news: anti-gay and anti-choice phobia, child molestation and cover-ups.
Now, 40 years after my confirmation, we have a Pope who's way more progressive than 99% of the World's leaders, promoting everything I thought religion should be about: compassion, equality, stewardship of the Earth, an end to conflict.
Never in a million years did I think I could respect and admire a Pope. Never say never, I guess.
The years in between did little to redeem the church in my mind. Seemed like all it delivered was a steady drumbeat of vile news: anti-gay and anti-choice phobia, child molestation and cover-ups.
Now, 40 years after my confirmation, we have a Pope who's way more progressive than 99% of the World's leaders, promoting everything I thought religion should be about: compassion, equality, stewardship of the Earth, an end to conflict.
Never in a million years did I think I could respect and admire a Pope. Never say never, I guess.
9
Though my nuns were very tough, they never were abusive. Nevertheless I too left the religion and am now agnostic, and love this Pope.
"No climate change," say the deniers. "Eppur si muove," says the Pope.
2
It's too late to stop global warming. It's only a matter of time say like 5-6 thousand years before the end.
So many times when I read the news, I feel despair and hopelessness, but not today! Today, I feel joy that one of the most powerful and influential men on Earth has spoken, at last, for the all of Life and Creation - the true miracle.
I often wonder at the knowledge imparted in the Tree of Life; it seems that mankind has decided that this knowledge shall be who and what lives and who and what dies - knowledge that mankind should never possess or act upon.
Thank you, Pope Francis, for teaching us again that we humans need to live in right relationship, not only with one another, but also with every other living creature and indeed, the living Earth.
I often wonder at the knowledge imparted in the Tree of Life; it seems that mankind has decided that this knowledge shall be who and what lives and who and what dies - knowledge that mankind should never possess or act upon.
Thank you, Pope Francis, for teaching us again that we humans need to live in right relationship, not only with one another, but also with every other living creature and indeed, the living Earth.
9
This man give me hope. He uses his power for good, not for personal gain. I only hope the rest of the world leaders take note.
15
So you are happy that a man who has denied any personal wealth wants everyone else to become like him and give it away to save a planet that is dying anyway.
Hilarious! In another article in this paper, the Pope is described as "Allying himself with mainstream science".
Funny because 90% of the readers in here are agnostic, devoted only to the doctrines of socialist 'progressivism' and the Democrat Party. Most of your comments about this Pope and the church are critical and caustic.
...until he adopts the fable known as 'Global Warming'.
Funny because 90% of the readers in here are agnostic, devoted only to the doctrines of socialist 'progressivism' and the Democrat Party. Most of your comments about this Pope and the church are critical and caustic.
...until he adopts the fable known as 'Global Warming'.
2
Most of the NYT readers seems to be devoted to fairness and equality and have a firm grasp of reality.
If that offends you, feel free to head over to Fox News.
If that offends you, feel free to head over to Fox News.
4
I guess you don't believe in science?
I'm not Catholic; I'm not even a believer.
But if joining the Catholic church is what it takes to save the planet and make it a better place for all, sign me up and teach me how to genuflect.
But if joining the Catholic church is what it takes to save the planet and make it a better place for all, sign me up and teach me how to genuflect.
10
Save the planet for who?? The cockroaches??
Though this may be a flippant comment, you may also find many other benefits to Catholicism.
My admiration for Pope Francis is increasing every day as the Pope is addressing such hot button issues as environmental damage being caused by corporations and individuals in mindless pursuit of prosperity and profits; I am so glad that a religious leader of his standing has so forcefully spoken out on the subject and called upon the governments, public and private corporations to address the issue of climate change. His message is very timely. It is important that leaders of all faiths join in this rally and call upon their governments, political leaders, businesses and the individuals in their congregations to take immediate steps to stop environmental damage being caused by their selfish and environmentally damaging habits that are robbing the planet of its soul and denying our children their right to inherit a habitable planet earth. We, the men and women are the custodians of this planet and it is our duty to take care of this gift from our Creator and pass it on to our successors.
4
Pope Francis - truly the best thing since sliced bread!
10
For me the most powerful sentence in this encyclical comes in paragraph 19 where Pope Francis asks each of us to " become painfully aware" and allow "what is happening to the world" to so impact our hearts that we feel it as "our own person suffering."
I honestly think that unwillingness to suffer, unwillingness to share pain and suffering is the root of denialism. All too many turn their backs on the suffering of others, whether animals or people or the very earth itself. Instead they want to sing and dance - while the planet burns, while people have dirty air and polluted water, etc.
The entire quote, calls upon us "to dare" to allow "awareness" of what is happening to penetrate our hearts and to learn from within - from our suffering hearts - "what each of us can do about it.
Seems to me the Pope asks each of us to meditate, to experience the pain which he himself must feel, and thereby to become enlightened, motivated to act - each in ways our own hearts determine.
A. Meditate upon the plight of the earth and her inhabitants.
B. Allow yourself to experience this plight as your own suffering.
C. From that place of suffering, let your heart speak and act accordingly.
Here is the whole sentence: "Our goal is not to amass information or satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it."
God bless Pope Francis. HEED HIS CALL
I honestly think that unwillingness to suffer, unwillingness to share pain and suffering is the root of denialism. All too many turn their backs on the suffering of others, whether animals or people or the very earth itself. Instead they want to sing and dance - while the planet burns, while people have dirty air and polluted water, etc.
The entire quote, calls upon us "to dare" to allow "awareness" of what is happening to penetrate our hearts and to learn from within - from our suffering hearts - "what each of us can do about it.
Seems to me the Pope asks each of us to meditate, to experience the pain which he himself must feel, and thereby to become enlightened, motivated to act - each in ways our own hearts determine.
A. Meditate upon the plight of the earth and her inhabitants.
B. Allow yourself to experience this plight as your own suffering.
C. From that place of suffering, let your heart speak and act accordingly.
Here is the whole sentence: "Our goal is not to amass information or satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it."
God bless Pope Francis. HEED HIS CALL
85
Experience it as your own suffering, because in fact, it is.
1
The Pope obviously didn't get the memo from Reince. The anti-abortion stuff is OK (because white women with means can safely ignore it). But the planet and its inhabitants take a back seat to the financial interests of major GOP donors. Nice try, though.
1
The Encyclical message contains much more than climate change.
The Encyclical attributes to the man and the high powers are changing for profit the natural environment, causing poverty and hunger in the world.
He attributes the responsibility to the States and its multinationals which finance dictators and war lords of the target countries, deciding life and death of their citizens, causing their fleeing and the migrant worldwide phenomenon, clashing with the racist behavior of the countries from Australia to Europe.
UNO and the Hague Court should be particularly in this Encyclical, because the financing countries are France, USA, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Russia, China and many others, most of which have Veto right.
Also those Vetoes, privileges and responsibilities are mentioned in the Pope Francis Encyclical, where he express his hope for more democracy in all international Bodies, an implicit accuse to the old fashion UNO organization and those countries which don't recognize the Hague Court.
The Encyclical attributes to the man and the high powers are changing for profit the natural environment, causing poverty and hunger in the world.
He attributes the responsibility to the States and its multinationals which finance dictators and war lords of the target countries, deciding life and death of their citizens, causing their fleeing and the migrant worldwide phenomenon, clashing with the racist behavior of the countries from Australia to Europe.
UNO and the Hague Court should be particularly in this Encyclical, because the financing countries are France, USA, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Russia, China and many others, most of which have Veto right.
Also those Vetoes, privileges and responsibilities are mentioned in the Pope Francis Encyclical, where he express his hope for more democracy in all international Bodies, an implicit accuse to the old fashion UNO organization and those countries which don't recognize the Hague Court.
3
Pope Francis like the Dalai Lama embraces science for the sake of humanity
8
The enormous problem of human caused climate change has a moral and ethical dimension that scientists have had a hard time expressing. Pope Francis lends this voice to the most important issue that we humans face. It's time to be completely clear about how much suffering we are creating, that the poor will be disproportionally affected, and that we must change our habits of excessive consumption.
6
Interesting that this article makes no mention of the part of the encyclical that takes on biotech … "In many places, following the introduction of these (GM) crops, productive land is concentrated in the hands of a few owners due to “the progressive disappearance of small producers, who, as a consequence of the loss of the exploited lands, are obliged to withdraw from direct production”.[113] The most vulnerable of these become temporary labourers, and many rural workers end up moving to poverty-stricken urban areas. The expansion of these crops has the effect of destroying the complex network of ecosystems, diminishing the diversity of production and affecting regional economies, now and in the future. In various countries, we see an expansion of oligopolies for the production of cereals and other products needed for their cultivation. …"
3
I want to preface this by saying I am not what you would call religious, but I think the reaction to the news, which is sweeping the world of religion—new calls for environmental activism from pulpits all over the world—should show a thing or two to the atheist/scientists, who often deny the moral power of religion.
4
If I recall correctly, Dawkin et al. seem acutely aware of religion's influence in ethical matters.
Thank God we finally have a pope who understands about stewardship and love, compassion and grace.
6
How about advocating some birth control to curb population growth?
4
do we REALLY think people aren't using birth control because the church is standing in their way? with all the products available over the counter everywhere - i bet it has more to do with laziness and ignorance that it does with the prospect of being struck by a lightening bolt from above...and how about all the men who refuse to use condoms because....
Is the notion of "low hanging fruit" foreign to you? The big ships turn slowly -- if at all -- however misguided the course they've set. That being said, there's hope for eventual enlightenment in Vatican. The wheels of God grind exceeding slow according to their Book.
1
Thank you Pope Francis, this atheist says amen to your encyclical. You spoke for the earth and all of it's inhabitants.
11
An amazing document- absolutely amazing in its simplicity of language and command of the issue.
8
The present generations are burning up resources for all future generations.
7
More reporters claiming that there apparently is "Equal" opinion on this issue. These two state "Yet Francis has also been sharply criticized by those who question or deny the established science of human-caused climate change and also by some conservative Roman Catholics, who have interpreted the document as an attack on capitalism and as unwanted political meddling at a moment when climate change is high on the global agenda." This is plain paid for by the corporations propaganda! Enough with this false corporate line that there is any remote argument about climate change or its causes! Shame on them and the Times.
5
"When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist.", Helder Camera
God bless this Pope. And blessed are we to have him.
I consider his papacy to be a true modern miracle.
God bless this Pope. And blessed are we to have him.
I consider his papacy to be a true modern miracle.
8
A note to everybody: Tell your friends to send a comment so we will break the record on the number of comments on an issue. Concerns about climate change must be high in our agenda.
To get the full meaning of Pope Francis message it is important to read St. Francis' "Canticle of the Sun," If you have this prayer-poem, please list it or quote significant passages. Today the Philadelphia Inquirer had a powerful editorial from Orlando Barone (resident of Doylestown,, PA.) stressing the importance of the Pope's message based on the "Canticle of the Sun". You can read the Barone editorial online. Thanks to all of you for wonderful comments.
Jeanette M. Gallagher, Doylestown, PA.
To get the full meaning of Pope Francis message it is important to read St. Francis' "Canticle of the Sun," If you have this prayer-poem, please list it or quote significant passages. Today the Philadelphia Inquirer had a powerful editorial from Orlando Barone (resident of Doylestown,, PA.) stressing the importance of the Pope's message based on the "Canticle of the Sun". You can read the Barone editorial online. Thanks to all of you for wonderful comments.
Jeanette M. Gallagher, Doylestown, PA.
1
I'm recalling that in the New Testament, Jesus is said to have identified himself as 'The Good Shepherd.' The Bible abounds in pastoral imagery like this. There's more than enough in the Catholic Christian tradition to draw upon if we must establish precedents before acting to mitigate the worst effects of an unprecedented ecological disaster. The day is far spent, but better late than never.
"He cited Benedict in saying that advanced societies “must be prepared to encourage more sober lifestyles, while reducing their energy consumption and improving its efficiency.”
What does sober lifestyle mean? What is going to be required of the individual? Can I still keep my home? Drive a personal car? Use new technology? Furnish my home? Have a choice of where and how I buy perishable goods? Or are those of us who have these things that have been accumulated at the "expense" of the environment going to have to turn them in? So that other nations will be able to have more? I'm not sure where the end logic of this document takes us. One thing is for sure, those that have a lot, like the Clintons, Putin's, Rothschild's, etc, will do just fine, when I'm required to vacate my home I'll think of Pope Francis sitting in the grandeur of the Vatican.
What does sober lifestyle mean? What is going to be required of the individual? Can I still keep my home? Drive a personal car? Use new technology? Furnish my home? Have a choice of where and how I buy perishable goods? Or are those of us who have these things that have been accumulated at the "expense" of the environment going to have to turn them in? So that other nations will be able to have more? I'm not sure where the end logic of this document takes us. One thing is for sure, those that have a lot, like the Clintons, Putin's, Rothschild's, etc, will do just fine, when I'm required to vacate my home I'll think of Pope Francis sitting in the grandeur of the Vatican.
What is going to be required of the individual? Can I still keep my home? Drive a personal car? Use new technology? Furnish my home? Have as many babies as I like?
It is ultimately more productive to note and support the positive actions and words of a powerful religious establishment than to point to their well-known contradictions. Considerable insight and truth comes from the imperfectly virtuous and, on occasion, even from those whom some consider morally corrupt.
To all those even thinking of taking on Pope Francis on these issues, I give this warning - YOU WILL LOSE!
His moral authority, which comes from his moral actions, is as strong as the Rock of Gibraltar.
You've been warned - you hollow men.
Instead, why not join us? You have everything of real value to gain.
No amount of words and slight of hand will make greed and selfishness into virtue.
His moral authority, which comes from his moral actions, is as strong as the Rock of Gibraltar.
You've been warned - you hollow men.
Instead, why not join us? You have everything of real value to gain.
No amount of words and slight of hand will make greed and selfishness into virtue.
9
So those of us who are not catholic must adhere to the suppositions of a cleric with whom we disagree in almost all other aspects of life? I think not.
Calm down, we all love this Pope!
1
Think where the world might be if Pope Francis was around with Galileo.
2
This Pope is not about status quo and will never sit well with conservatives.
6
This message healing the Earth from the Holy Father is welcome.
But I don't mind sharing, that I cannot look at the Catholic Church leaders without thinking of their slow and limited cooperation convicting pedophiles in the Church.
I would like to see criminals prosecuted for what they did to children, and all evidence turned over by the church to law authorities.
I have not been abused, but speak for those who have no voice. Care for people first, then the Earth.
But I don't mind sharing, that I cannot look at the Catholic Church leaders without thinking of their slow and limited cooperation convicting pedophiles in the Church.
I would like to see criminals prosecuted for what they did to children, and all evidence turned over by the church to law authorities.
I have not been abused, but speak for those who have no voice. Care for people first, then the Earth.
1
yes, yes, YES!!! Just when the world thought the papacy was irrelevant, a man is put into this position who I believe is a great leader in the mode of Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Dalai Lama. As these men have all shown, the religious tradition is not important. What is important is the vision and ability to promote compassion, understanding and actions that will promote peace, cooperation, harmony and justice. This is truly what Jesus Christ preached...and the other great religions of the world also seek this within their own cultural contexts. Pope Francis chose to take the name of St. Francis VERY consciously. St. Francis was born into a very wealth, privileged family. After a misspent youth that left him unhappy, depressed, he had a change of heart. He gave up everything and survived only on what the Lord chose to give him. He was NEVER a priest, he did not want to "found" a religious order, he wanted no rules and he never sought followers. If people wanted to emulate his life -- committed to LITERALLY doing what Jesus Christ said to do, he was happy to let them "hang" with him. He never condemned of judged anyone (unlike the "hellfire" preachers of the day) -- not even priests he knew were corrupt. He said that only God could know what was in a man's heart, and God would judge. His job was to help people understand the true message of Jesus: that there was another way --of peace, compassion, understanding...and it was the key to true joy.
6
This teaching is laudable indeed. However, humanity will not fully achieve the goal of preserving the earth until women throughout the world are permitted equal authority in decision-making. Women tend to choose "keeping" roles as defined in this encyclical: nurturing, tending, protecting their young. Their viewpoint is essential and must be consulted and considered when making choices of far-reaching consequence such as engaging in war, massive technological changes and country-wide economic policies. The Pope would do well as part of his mission if he were to fully enfranchise the women of the Catholic Church. This would be an unprecedented step in human history and would require the utmost courage. Nevertheless, a truly civilized human population and real protection of the earth's environment is impossible without the full participation of humanity's "other half."
1
if this is what takes to lead the blind out of their self-destructive folly, so be it. maybe something good will come out of this, after all. but the fact that actions have consequences, and spilling garbage out all around us, especially for a century, will take it's toll is just plain simple common sense, a sense that does not appear to be so common.
2
Denial of climate change and it's relation to fossil fuels is all about the destructive power of GREED.
In America in 2015, GREED is winning.
In America in 2015, GREED is winning.
6
"But, he added, 'Our immense technological development has not been accompanied by a development in human responsibility, values and conscience.'”
The only for hope for those things to be developed in people is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wish Francis would be honest and tell the whole truth if he believes the gospel (I hope he does). Education, technology, and economic development don't change peoples' fundamental inclinations which are sinful and rebellious towards God. Only Jesus changing someone's heart can do that. That is the fundamental message of the Bible. Humanity's biggest problem is our own sinful hearts. Trying to effect change without dealing with that will ultimately be unsuccessful.
The only for hope for those things to be developed in people is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wish Francis would be honest and tell the whole truth if he believes the gospel (I hope he does). Education, technology, and economic development don't change peoples' fundamental inclinations which are sinful and rebellious towards God. Only Jesus changing someone's heart can do that. That is the fundamental message of the Bible. Humanity's biggest problem is our own sinful hearts. Trying to effect change without dealing with that will ultimately be unsuccessful.
This encyclical is a ray of light in the world at a crucial time. Such clear speaking of truth from power is almost unheard of.
This Pope seems to have the perspective of those of us who realize that unless we do two things all the other games we humans play won't matter. First, refrain from using nuclear weapons. This at least is obvious to all. Second, protect the integrity of the Earth's systems while the human population peaks. We don't know at what point an uncontrollable cascading collapse of various ecosystems can begin. We do know that we've used up about 45% of our natural inheritance so far (according to the World Wildlife Fund). That's a lot. We also know that the Earth has tremendous healing potential. If only we can wake up in time and back off the unrelenting pressure for more and more until there is no more.
This Pope seems to have the perspective of those of us who realize that unless we do two things all the other games we humans play won't matter. First, refrain from using nuclear weapons. This at least is obvious to all. Second, protect the integrity of the Earth's systems while the human population peaks. We don't know at what point an uncontrollable cascading collapse of various ecosystems can begin. We do know that we've used up about 45% of our natural inheritance so far (according to the World Wildlife Fund). That's a lot. We also know that the Earth has tremendous healing potential. If only we can wake up in time and back off the unrelenting pressure for more and more until there is no more.
5
"Francis has also been sharply criticized by those who question or deny the established science of human-caused climate change and also by some conservative Roman Catholics"
Lets not kid ourselves. We have been way too soft on those who spout falsehoods for living, mostly paid and promoted by vast war chest of coal, oil and gas industry. They were able to create this un-godly alliance of traditional conservatism with polluting industries and big money, and were co-opted by GOP. This alliance has been able to dominate the political landscape in US. However, it is utterly immoral and needs to be broken before it destroys the humanity.
Pope Francis has identified the most dangerous threats humanity is facing and is rightfully exposing it. It is His moral obligation to point the moral path and it is our moral obligation to chose the moral path: stewardship for the natural environment and care for poor.
Lets not kid ourselves. We have been way too soft on those who spout falsehoods for living, mostly paid and promoted by vast war chest of coal, oil and gas industry. They were able to create this un-godly alliance of traditional conservatism with polluting industries and big money, and were co-opted by GOP. This alliance has been able to dominate the political landscape in US. However, it is utterly immoral and needs to be broken before it destroys the humanity.
Pope Francis has identified the most dangerous threats humanity is facing and is rightfully exposing it. It is His moral obligation to point the moral path and it is our moral obligation to chose the moral path: stewardship for the natural environment and care for poor.
8
So much for Republicans lame-o attempts to co-opt the Catholics and pretend they are the good guys. Pope Francis just outed the lot of them. Rush Limbaugh, (Republican pope/gadbag) still denies global climate change and promotes the continuing greed and exploitation the Pope is seeking to end.
5
As much as I am happy to see Pope Francis address the moral implications of political and economic decisions, I'm afraid it won't move the staunchest Catholic free-market supporters. They will simply say that this is not considered an infallible teaching and go on with their lives. However, if the priests in the field (I say priests because they have the most direct contact with a large number of people) repeatedly bring this issue to the forefront, there may be a few environmental converts.
The deniers have as much of a right to be cafeteria Catholics as anyone else. They also have the right to eschew the type of syllogistic logic that Thomas Aquinas used. As Moynihan said, they have a right to their own opinion - but not to their own facts.
Exactly. One need not convert those who genuflect before Mammon to blunt the edge of ignorance.
As a Buddhist who was once Catholic, I pray in accord with all the powers that be that this gentle and intelligent man, Pope Francis, will thrive and that his words will inspire and motivate all Catholics everywhere... and may that be all of us, in the sense of catholic as universal. May Pope Francis be safe, may he be healthy, may he be happy and may he be ever strong in caring for this earth and its people.
11
For the deniers who say the pope should not engage in politics and thee is no proof: Forget climate change. Let' just look at the devastation of pollution. Deny that? Our country is sagging into the past because we do not invent and create new technology on a national scale. It's called infrastructure. It creates a sustainable future AND jobs. What are we waiting for ?
4
the pope should take a sail boat to philadelphia, and be driven around in a horse drawn carriage, oops thats bad for the horse, sorry boats are made of wood, perhaps he should walk across the ocean.
Feel free to give all of your attention to the Climate Change support while ignoring the condemnation of Abortion. Hypocrites.
I don't think you know what the word "hypocrite" means.
Why wouldn't people praise the Pope's stance on something they agree with and that impacts all of us?
Why wouldn't people praise the Pope's stance on something they agree with and that impacts all of us?
I have never before seen a Pope like Francis. From the very first day he was elected walking to his hotel to pay his bill to his peaceful efforts in the Middle East to his declaration about climate change; this is a man of God who is also a man of this world in every way.
As a lapsed Catholic, I always knew that the Papacy had enormous potential power to do great things for the world but until Francis came along I never really saw it. I am so encouraged to see this man put theory into practice beginning with the virtue of humility. It is remarkable the way that he brings together faith and science. It is a reminder that actions have consequences and that those consequences must be considered with advances in science. Science and morality should not be held to be mutually exclusive. I’ve been cynical for way too long but Pope Francis is changing that. He is making me feel hopeful again.
Every leader is going to be attacked. It comes with being a leader. The Pope’s work is arduous and difficult and many obstacles remain but he is using his office to lead the charge for justice and if he can inspire other people the way he has inspired me, than we might have a better and more humane future for ourselves and our children
As a lapsed Catholic, I always knew that the Papacy had enormous potential power to do great things for the world but until Francis came along I never really saw it. I am so encouraged to see this man put theory into practice beginning with the virtue of humility. It is remarkable the way that he brings together faith and science. It is a reminder that actions have consequences and that those consequences must be considered with advances in science. Science and morality should not be held to be mutually exclusive. I’ve been cynical for way too long but Pope Francis is changing that. He is making me feel hopeful again.
Every leader is going to be attacked. It comes with being a leader. The Pope’s work is arduous and difficult and many obstacles remain but he is using his office to lead the charge for justice and if he can inspire other people the way he has inspired me, than we might have a better and more humane future for ourselves and our children
7
I left the Roman Catholic Church over a decade ago because I was disgusted, as I still am, by the pattern of child sexual abuse committed by priests and its tolerance by bishops and cardinals and popes. I am not quite ready to say that I believe the church has redeemed itself for that awesome moral failure, but I will say that Pope Francis' willingness to take a morally brave stand on anthropogenic climate change, our decimation of wildlife and ecosystems, and our rapacious economic system gives me hope that it can do so.
3
I'm not Catholic but this pope is very impressive, unlike our so-called representatives and President in Washington who are selling out America's sovereignty, as we speak, with passing TPP. I truly like and admire Pope Francis at a time when there are few leaders to admire. Thank you Pope Francis.
5
As a Catholic environmentalist and biologist, I hope Pope Francis can inspire and empower humanity to take action on protecting our natural resources. Governments have failed to reach a common accord, scientists have failed with their facts to convince people and political leaders to take action. Pope Francis who is seen as the leading moral authority in the world may be able to cross cultures and continents with his message that it is a moral imperative that we act to protect creation. In Georgia, a group of University of Georgia scientists and engineers are preparing an outreach plan to give people actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
7
For as much as I like this Pope, I feel that Francis has given himself political cover for the truly atavistic teachings he avoids discussing when he's in a different mood.
If he can't find a moral imperative in the equality of the sexes (or genders), how on earth can he see one in the making of chemical reactions that harm the planet?
I'd rather hear him claim that the supposedly celibate priesthood is wrong, and just confess that he lacks the power to do anything about it.
He declares noble principles in the news media every other day. He acts in their behalf with far less frequency.
If he can't find a moral imperative in the equality of the sexes (or genders), how on earth can he see one in the making of chemical reactions that harm the planet?
I'd rather hear him claim that the supposedly celibate priesthood is wrong, and just confess that he lacks the power to do anything about it.
He declares noble principles in the news media every other day. He acts in their behalf with far less frequency.
Incredible. A humble man of the cloth determined to call a spade "a spade".
He's right, of course. The Pope champions the interests of the voiceless poor and downtrodden, who will suffer most from an overheating Earth.
Pity so many of our national politicians possess no such courage. Recall how Rubio squirmed? As for Jeb's jibe that the Pope should simply butt out of our business, that's just another reason to vote against him in 2016; as if there weren't enough already.
He's right, of course. The Pope champions the interests of the voiceless poor and downtrodden, who will suffer most from an overheating Earth.
Pity so many of our national politicians possess no such courage. Recall how Rubio squirmed? As for Jeb's jibe that the Pope should simply butt out of our business, that's just another reason to vote against him in 2016; as if there weren't enough already.
11
Francis's criticism of carbon credits is a remarkably insightful point. For a serious steward of our environment, who has looked deeply into the issue, the failure of carbon credits to justify the claims for them cannot be ignored. What carbon credits essentially accomplish is to kick the old can of fossil fuel reduction down the road by selling licenses to pollute to some of the biggest polluters.
Creating carbon taxes, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, increasing non-carbon energy subsidies, and other more direct approaches to reducing, and eventually eliminating, fossil fuels as a major energy source work far more efficiently. Among other things, they directly encourage the massive development of non-carbon energy sources, especially from solar and wind, but also higher-energy advanced technologies, such as fusion ("artificial star") technologies, and possibly safer nuclear fission technologies as well (if the waste disposal problem can be responsibly managed).
Otherwise, Francis's teaching is finally catching up with the latest science and delivering a powerful moral message for a large number of people who have been ignoring the realities of our human culture for far too long.
Creating carbon taxes, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, increasing non-carbon energy subsidies, and other more direct approaches to reducing, and eventually eliminating, fossil fuels as a major energy source work far more efficiently. Among other things, they directly encourage the massive development of non-carbon energy sources, especially from solar and wind, but also higher-energy advanced technologies, such as fusion ("artificial star") technologies, and possibly safer nuclear fission technologies as well (if the waste disposal problem can be responsibly managed).
Otherwise, Francis's teaching is finally catching up with the latest science and delivering a powerful moral message for a large number of people who have been ignoring the realities of our human culture for far too long.
3
As Catholics say during the rite of communion, "It is right and just." Pope Francis has used the papacy as a vehicle to paint positive broad strokes to guide the Church along. As a Catholic who converted under the papacy of Benedict, I am thrilled by Francis' decisions to move the Church out of the politics of division and into areas of common ground for believer and non-believers. A very welcomed move.
5
Many on the right are now in quite a predicament. They find themselves in opposition to both science and religion.
24
I don't this will matter much as many on the far right view the Church as nothing more than a "cult." Their words, not mine.
I assume the GOP candidates and all their think tanks are in all day brainstorming meetings today trying to figure out how to neutralize the Pope's statements, which call on the carpet every GOP shibboleth. Coupled with their incessant hatemongering toward so many Americans, the GOP would, in a rational country, disappear by the end of this week. Or at least be rebranded with the moderates in control.
Let's see if we are a rational country.
Let's see if we are a rational country.
11
The pressure of power on life impacting policies is undeniable. The importance of money as source of power is undeniable. Then, the weight of disparity in income as anthropogenic should be undeniable.
Pope Francis indirectly addresses how destructive are proving to be the sins of rapacity, arrogance, gluttony, and envy. In other words, once moral values are skipped, destruction is coming. When I look at the scorched earth Middle East, I cannot agree more.
Pope Francis indirectly addresses how destructive are proving to be the sins of rapacity, arrogance, gluttony, and envy. In other words, once moral values are skipped, destruction is coming. When I look at the scorched earth Middle East, I cannot agree more.
3
The Middle East's problems stem almost completely from conflicting religions.
'...The pope attributed environmental destruction to apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology, and political shortsightedness...'
No mention of the Church's anti-birth control anti-woman stance in Third World countries? Having caused generations of poverty and despair in South America because of these abhorrent teachings, the Church is now doing the same in Africa.
The problem is overpopulation and Catholicism and Islam are directly responsible for most of this.
No mention of the Church's anti-birth control anti-woman stance in Third World countries? Having caused generations of poverty and despair in South America because of these abhorrent teachings, the Church is now doing the same in Africa.
The problem is overpopulation and Catholicism and Islam are directly responsible for most of this.
1
In the history of the world the issuance of this encyclical will have profound impact and, one hopes, lasting beneficial effect on the course of the future.
Sadly it comes on a day when a lunatic and bigot entered a different church and murdered nine people. He will get more attention than the encyclical in today's news and tomorrow's newspapers.
But it is this pope's today pronouncement that is the far more important story not just today but for years to come.
Sadly it comes on a day when a lunatic and bigot entered a different church and murdered nine people. He will get more attention than the encyclical in today's news and tomorrow's newspapers.
But it is this pope's today pronouncement that is the far more important story not just today but for years to come.
5
Thank you, thank you, Pope Francis, for arming Catholics like me with the weaponry needed to stand up to those who believe that government is not the solution to this problem. Governments MUST intervene by internalizing the cost of carbon through a revenue-neutral carbon tax or aggressive cap and trade regulations - immediately. And it is up to us, as first world citizens, to lead the way to protect the poor and our own children by petitioning our government to do just that!
6
Doesn't over-population contribute to environmental degradation? Am I "allowed" to use birth control now? Otherwise, this is great and I'm glad to hear the Pope spoke out. I hope this prompts people who otherwise wouldn't care about the earth to listen up.
2
Too bad Pope Francis is not a native U.S. citizen. He'd make a great President. Certainly a better candidate than most we've seen.
Heck, why don't we invite the Pope to participate in the debates, anyway? Or at least invite the Pope to speak before Congress.
Heck, why don't we invite the Pope to participate in the debates, anyway? Or at least invite the Pope to speak before Congress.
5
I think he is scheduled to do so, when he visits the U.S. in the fall for a UN conference.
A big part of the problem is too many people, and the Catholic Church share some of the blame for that. Providing resources to an ever increasing number of humans is destroying the earth.
1
I doubt the Pope calls for the end of waste-based economy or auto transport. He lacks the courage of his convictions, frankly.
Getting rid of the cars -- all of them, now -- is the first step along the only path to voluntarily controlling warming. After the cars go the jets, the big ships, the industrial agriculture ... ultimately all industries. If we keep clinging to these things, we're bankrupt, it's that simple.
Both bankruptcy and capital exhaustion are well underway. Greece, Syria ... Japan, Argentina ... these countries' miseries are examples of 'conservation by other means'. Coming to your town ...
Getting rid of the cars -- all of them, now -- is the first step along the only path to voluntarily controlling warming. After the cars go the jets, the big ships, the industrial agriculture ... ultimately all industries. If we keep clinging to these things, we're bankrupt, it's that simple.
Both bankruptcy and capital exhaustion are well underway. Greece, Syria ... Japan, Argentina ... these countries' miseries are examples of 'conservation by other means'. Coming to your town ...
1
But surely you can recognize that this is truly an impossible goal. It simply will not happen and it's not really clear why those who live in areas without any real alternative should be expected to no longer use cars. I'm not sure what type of agrarian utopia you imagine will replace the present deeply flawed economies of the world, but motor-driven vehicles have made possible almost everything that we need and value in economic terms. I expect you don't expect to be taken seriously.
Nice to see the NYTimes has found some good in the Pope and the Catholic church, now that they are preaching the prty line. Quid-pro-quo liberal politics in action!
1
“Within the scientific community, there is almost a code of honor that you will never transgress the red line between pure analysis and moral issues,” sounds like a very convenient excuse invented by the Old Boys to keep everyone's conscience's in their pockets. Hurray for Pope Francis for stating the obvious and the dishonorable. It's long past time for ALL these old, so-called "codes of honor" to fall.
8
I am not christian but I love Pope Francis and I have great respect for him. He is a great human being. Religion came for us to guide in the right path and we did not come for religion. Anything good for the creation of God is the root of religion. I hope the religious leaders and political leaders in America will follow his teachings and will not use religion for selfish polotical gain.
8
If he keeps this up, I just might show up for Mass. Hopefully he will forgive my 30 year absence.
9
While the Pope's embrace of climate science is a welcome development, I wish he would also embrace the settled science on homosexuality and vocalize his full support for same sex marriage. It is time.
1
Nobody hates on the Catholic church more than the NY Times and leftie sycophant posters.......ahhh, but when the Pope weighs on on something he knows nothing about and effectively buys into carbon taxes that will do great harm to poor, starving people in third world countries, all the upper east side 'ignorance of science' elitist salute.
Yes sir, impose a carbon tax and starve a poor kid to death in a third world country.
Yes sir, impose a carbon tax and starve a poor kid to death in a third world country.
1
The poor kid is starving to death right now, when we don't have carbon tax and have such low taxes here in US.
Why?
Why?
Let's cut way back on shopping, especially at Christmas.
5
Do you mean, "Saturnalia" - The December holiday of the Romans that was expropriated by Christians when they seized power in Rome?
(Historical note: Christ was undoubtedly born in the spring sometime. The Bible has Jesus born before Herod's death at the end of March or beginning of April.)
(Historical note: Christ was undoubtedly born in the spring sometime. The Bible has Jesus born before Herod's death at the end of March or beginning of April.)
This is huge. The Pope deeply influences the thinking of at least 20 percent of the world's population — much of that in the poorer areas. By clearly tying poverty to environmental degradation he gives moral underpinning for environmental action, and gives the poor the information they need to avoid being confused by exploitative resource extractors.
The struggle will go on, of course. Fossil fuel industries will conspire to maintain their dominance of the world's energy supply, but the planet and the vast majority of people, who just want to live decent lives in a healthy environment, have just found a potent ally.
The struggle will go on, of course. Fossil fuel industries will conspire to maintain their dominance of the world's energy supply, but the planet and the vast majority of people, who just want to live decent lives in a healthy environment, have just found a potent ally.
9
Most commenters seem happy a public figure has taken one of the clearest stances so far against anthropogenic climate change, and has gone so far as to identify as an underlying cause the greed and glorification of material profit inherent in capitalism (I still have to check the WSJ coverage, I suspect I'll find less praise there). Many think "a pity he is religious" or " too bad he is a Catholic, such unenilghtened belief system", but in a general mood of appreciation whih fills me with joy...
However, what troubles me is another common theme that has no bearing in reality (or has only the most tenuous one): the reproach that he should immediately adopt a more forceful stance in favor of birth control, as controlling the "population explosion" is critical to build a more sustainable planet. Sorry but a) the population explosion doesn't have much to do with the Catholic Church's position on contaceptives (I've lived in eight countries in three continents, first, second and third world, surrounded by Catholics, and I still have to find one that determines the desirable size of his family, and takes action to reach it, based on what the pope says) and b) there is no population explosion any more, as much as it pains to recognize it to so many people that seems to be wedded to the idea (more details here: http://purebarbell.blogspot.com.es/2015/06/why-some-liberals-are-so-sold...
However, what troubles me is another common theme that has no bearing in reality (or has only the most tenuous one): the reproach that he should immediately adopt a more forceful stance in favor of birth control, as controlling the "population explosion" is critical to build a more sustainable planet. Sorry but a) the population explosion doesn't have much to do with the Catholic Church's position on contaceptives (I've lived in eight countries in three continents, first, second and third world, surrounded by Catholics, and I still have to find one that determines the desirable size of his family, and takes action to reach it, based on what the pope says) and b) there is no population explosion any more, as much as it pains to recognize it to so many people that seems to be wedded to the idea (more details here: http://purebarbell.blogspot.com.es/2015/06/why-some-liberals-are-so-sold...
3
The present population isn't sustainable on fossil fuel.
There's no population explosion when the population of the world has doubled since John XXIII was pope? Perhaps it's slowed down but there's still a major problem.
Any Catholic Christian who does not support the Pope should voluntarily leave the church, or be excommunicated. The Pope is God's direct representative on earth, correct?
1
Seems unlikely that the Republican talking point will morph from "I am not a scientist so I can't be expected to take a stance on climate change" to "I am not a Christian so I can't be expected to take a stance on humanity's future." Still, the Koch inspired juggling will be a joy to obsetve.
9
Once more I feel proud to be a Catholic (It has been a long time since I have been able to do so.) The Church has taken a major leap from medieval times to the 21st century. In reaching out to the world at large Pope Francis has proven to be truly a worthy example of someone who transcends mere religious, sectarian and political concerns and has become an inspiration to us all. He has restored the meaning of "catholic", i.e., universal, to the Catholic Church.
Now it is time for us to get to work. There remains plenty for us to do and we must transcend our own parochial religious, sectarian and political concerns in order to do it.
Now it is time for us to get to work. There remains plenty for us to do and we must transcend our own parochial religious, sectarian and political concerns in order to do it.
4
I haven't seen the transcript yet, but if Pope Francis did indeed point to our consumerism as central to our human plight - and linked it to climate change - he is far ahead of any US government honesty on the subject(s). Even in John Kerry's deservedly lauded speech at COP 20 in Lima, all of the emphasis was on green energy and efficiency, with not one single word challenging our consumption expectations. The implication is yes, you can keep gobbling up energy like locusts and throwing out 50% of the food you buy, you only need to produce energy more cleanly. WHEN do we challenge ourselves about how and how much we consume?
8
This is a well thought out paper.....Bernie Sanders should make this his platform
3
I'm sure many commenters and NYTimes readers are quite pleased with the Pope's stance on climate change.
Now, will they support his stance on abortion and contraception?
I thought not.
Now, will they support his stance on abortion and contraception?
I thought not.
2
Why should we if we aren't Catholic. We are excited about his pronouncement because it will box CATHOLICS into supporting our position. If even 1/5 of conservative Catholic switch to the Democratic column, the GOP will never win another election at the national level.
That is true.
But, this is a stance on the future of our entire planet and our future.
Abortion, gay rights, contraception should not be used as weapons against the pope in his argument to save the planet. They will be meaningless social constructs when the planet goes into chaos.
But, this is a stance on the future of our entire planet and our future.
Abortion, gay rights, contraception should not be used as weapons against the pope in his argument to save the planet. They will be meaningless social constructs when the planet goes into chaos.
1
Is an all-or-nothing approach required, Steve?
I've always thought that it was ironic that conservatives have not been, as a general rule, conservationists. First, personal responsibility is supposed to be an underlying philosophy. Second, the Religious Right, seems to me, would be guided by the Biblical tenet of Stewardship of Creation. (The Religious Left seems to be deeply committed to it!) Unfortunately corporate rights for near-term unchecked profitability via non-regulation as a platform basic seems to have overridden what would normally be a logical foundation for sustainable prosperity in the long-term.
3
Just who does Mr. Infallibility think he is?
First he needs to leave science to the scientists. As both Jeb Dough! and Rick Santorum have pointed out, religion should be wholly separated from the salvation of souls.
Second, the Catholic Church should not be "political". It should refrain from any involvement in a woman's rights to control her own body, it should refrain from public words on the death penalty, minimum wage, global warming etc.
The church should ignore any social issues and remain as soul savers.
First he needs to leave science to the scientists. As both Jeb Dough! and Rick Santorum have pointed out, religion should be wholly separated from the salvation of souls.
Second, the Catholic Church should not be "political". It should refrain from any involvement in a woman's rights to control her own body, it should refrain from public words on the death penalty, minimum wage, global warming etc.
The church should ignore any social issues and remain as soul savers.
Well... he is a Chemist by training, and the encyclical had an awful lot of scientific input.
This is the best news to hit the Front Page in a long, long time. For a man of Pope Francis's rank to acknowledge and address Global Warming is a most welcomed miracle.
And, acknowledge it, he did !! In examining the root causes of our Planet's potential destruction, he cited apathy, greed, faith only in technology, and political "shortsightedness". While this writing has been on the wall since the 1960's, here is a World Leader who calls 'em as he sees 'em. Thank you, Pope Francis. Take that, Exxon/Mobile ! Take that, Peabody Coal !!
Without a healthy planet, we are all dead. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. We ARE at the tipping point of being able to turn this disaster around. Our grandchildren's children deserve to run on a clean beach, or play on a beautiful mountainside. That is worth far more than immediate, obscene profit to the top 1%.
Bless Pope Francis for asking us all to work together. May his words touch every heart, every hand, every mind. It is truly Now - or Never.
And, acknowledge it, he did !! In examining the root causes of our Planet's potential destruction, he cited apathy, greed, faith only in technology, and political "shortsightedness". While this writing has been on the wall since the 1960's, here is a World Leader who calls 'em as he sees 'em. Thank you, Pope Francis. Take that, Exxon/Mobile ! Take that, Peabody Coal !!
Without a healthy planet, we are all dead. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. We ARE at the tipping point of being able to turn this disaster around. Our grandchildren's children deserve to run on a clean beach, or play on a beautiful mountainside. That is worth far more than immediate, obscene profit to the top 1%.
Bless Pope Francis for asking us all to work together. May his words touch every heart, every hand, every mind. It is truly Now - or Never.
7
I am an Engineer by training with 3 grown daughters who have 8 degrees among them and who are working in science related jobs. So I am very I am proud of my Pope because he has nailed it!
5
While people are exchanging high-fives over this, is anyone taking note of the role of human overpopulation of the planet and the Church's teaching that there can never be too many people?
1
It seems like we have a lot of people willing to assert the Pope's moral authority on this issue. I wonder if they are also willing to submit to his views on abortion, same-sex marriage, women priests, etc? After all, in for a penny, in for a pound...
1
Again, again, again, global warming is a matter of simple, proven fact. Those that deny it, that ignore logic, facts and common sense don't have the right to any opinion on anything.
Today I am proud to be Catholic! Finally, we have a pope with compassion and common sense.
7
A wonderful appraisal of where we stand at this moment and what our choices must be to reduce the disastrous effects of human caused climate change.
Unfortunately, it will fall upon the stone ears and closed minds of those in power..those who will take us down with them...Already, the Republicans, even Catholic Republicans, are discounting the Pope's arguments... People all over the world must cast aside those who would do us and our planet harm..
VOTE THEM OUT !!!
Unfortunately, it will fall upon the stone ears and closed minds of those in power..those who will take us down with them...Already, the Republicans, even Catholic Republicans, are discounting the Pope's arguments... People all over the world must cast aside those who would do us and our planet harm..
VOTE THEM OUT !!!
4
It is amazing that statements like "Pope Aligns Himself With Mainstream Science" are news. It is a relief but highlights the bizarre political climate we live in.
70
Just the simple act of recycling will contribute to the effort. Why do so many of us not participate? For folks that have no need for SUV's and large pick up trucks, cannot you not please use other methods of transportation?
We can stop littering. I read some time back that discarded cigarette buts total in the millions. Every one of us can offer the smallest acts towards saving our planet. Ignorance, laziness and stupidity hinder our progress.
We can stop littering. I read some time back that discarded cigarette buts total in the millions. Every one of us can offer the smallest acts towards saving our planet. Ignorance, laziness and stupidity hinder our progress.
2
A truly remarkable and welcome statement of great significance. Pope Francis has done far more than call for greater attention to the human impact on climate. Here he has issued a call for a return to the idea of a "moral economy," a recognition that economics is not a neutral, purely rational activity, but that it has important moral dimensions.
As many environmental activists have known for years, there are deep connections between the problems of climate change and environmental degradation on the one hand, and poverty on the other. The connection, of course, comes through a capitalist system that reduces everything (including people and the Earth itself) to resources to be employed for the short-term maximization of benefits and minimization of costs. Laudato Si' makes this connection clear.
As many environmental activists have known for years, there are deep connections between the problems of climate change and environmental degradation on the one hand, and poverty on the other. The connection, of course, comes through a capitalist system that reduces everything (including people and the Earth itself) to resources to be employed for the short-term maximization of benefits and minimization of costs. Laudato Si' makes this connection clear.
2
I am not a member of the Catholic church, but I was pleased to read about the pope's ideas and pleadings that each of us on this planet do our part to save this planet. I agree with his observations as to why we are in such dire straits in distance to destroying all life on this planet. One very big way the Pope and his church can help this planet is to instruct the poor to stop over-populating this planet. The biggest polluter of this planet are PEOPLE.
3
I'd like to be a founding member of "Atheists for Pope Francis," a remarkable man. Praise be unto him.
5
Pope Francis is certainly getting in the way of the Republican's plans to take over this country's churches and temples. God bless him.
7
Maybe Pope Francis should run for president. As a Republican. Then the Republicans might actually have a shot at the White House.
2
A welcome set of ideas and moral precepts from a great leader. The momentum for change rolls on.
May millions be touched and influenced and may we realize that we can change ourselves a bit to get along with the natural world.
The line from the Vatican that this issue is part of a "heated debate" caught my eye.
Only debated among the people who are bought off by those for whom obfuscation of science means power and money in their pockets. In other more pointed words, those who would put their petty personal greed ahead of the entirety of humanity.
Now that's sick!
May millions be touched and influenced and may we realize that we can change ourselves a bit to get along with the natural world.
The line from the Vatican that this issue is part of a "heated debate" caught my eye.
Only debated among the people who are bought off by those for whom obfuscation of science means power and money in their pockets. In other more pointed words, those who would put their petty personal greed ahead of the entirety of humanity.
Now that's sick!
2
I am impressed with Pope Francis. Fate blessed our species because he was schooled in chemistry so he knows the chemistry of the Earth, the atmosphere, & the "miracle" of the biosphere. Laudati Si gives me hope that our species is finally getting a grip on the reality of the civilization that we have created.
We now know that the progress our innovative species has achieved, thus far, is based on the combustion of fossil fuels for transportation, & the generation of electricity. Internal combustion and electricity has transformed our lives but we must change and adapt in order for our civilization to survive.
Human beings have enough intelligence and enterprise to turn Earth into a paradise both for ourselves & for the biosphere that gave us birth by the end of this century if we can adapt & replace our fossil systems to other types of technology.
At its core is the generation of electricity with the greatest efficiency & lowest cost yet devised for harnessing electrons without combustion. From what we know now it will be possible to create very cheap electricity with solar cells in space & beam it to Earth, or from roof tops, windmills, hydroelectric, etc.
Cheap electricity will permit us to make liquid hydrocarbons from the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere & hydrogen in water.
We have a good start in electric transport & can convert our highways to electric transport systems like the superconducting Maglev transport invented by Drs. James Powell & Gordon Danby.
We now know that the progress our innovative species has achieved, thus far, is based on the combustion of fossil fuels for transportation, & the generation of electricity. Internal combustion and electricity has transformed our lives but we must change and adapt in order for our civilization to survive.
Human beings have enough intelligence and enterprise to turn Earth into a paradise both for ourselves & for the biosphere that gave us birth by the end of this century if we can adapt & replace our fossil systems to other types of technology.
At its core is the generation of electricity with the greatest efficiency & lowest cost yet devised for harnessing electrons without combustion. From what we know now it will be possible to create very cheap electricity with solar cells in space & beam it to Earth, or from roof tops, windmills, hydroelectric, etc.
Cheap electricity will permit us to make liquid hydrocarbons from the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere & hydrogen in water.
We have a good start in electric transport & can convert our highways to electric transport systems like the superconducting Maglev transport invented by Drs. James Powell & Gordon Danby.
3
If Religion and Catholicism wants to progress and turn the page it needs to embrace science and modern social norms such as gay marriage. The Catholic Church risks losing influence of young and future generations if it does not.
This man is a "godsend."
5
Thank you Pope Francis. Although I'm an Atheist, I appreciate any person in power that is actively fighting this huge and imminent threat that Climate Change presents to life on our planet.
3
For hundreds of years the church denied scientific facts now the Pope embraces junk science.
Fossil fuel consumption leads to climate change. Climate change leads to changes in fresh water resources. Lack of water leads to mass starvation. Fracking is especially bad in this respect.
If we don't change our ways, the wars caused in part by water shortages will get worse, and we will have a more violent world than ever as we kill each other off in a global competition for resources.
The Pope is a great leader in the tradition of other great religious leaders such as MLK and Gandhi.
God Bless him.
If we don't change our ways, the wars caused in part by water shortages will get worse, and we will have a more violent world than ever as we kill each other off in a global competition for resources.
The Pope is a great leader in the tradition of other great religious leaders such as MLK and Gandhi.
God Bless him.
3
Maybe this encyclical is the beginning of something bigger. Maybe through the moral voice of Pope Francis humanity has found its new voice, a voice that preaches a new and universal message of a meek and humble god, who implicitly recognizes that we, not he, control the fate of humanity.
The call “for a radical transformation of politics, economics and individual lifestyles to confront environmental degradation and climate change” embodies within it an implicit call that the limited resources of the world belong to all of humanity. Perhaps it carries within it a subtle observation that those with less than 20% of the population of the world should not possess and control more than 90% of its wealth and resources.
Pope Francis’s encyclical also embodies a call for redirecting the energies of humanity, from wars and violence toward helping billions of the very poor, the homeless and the deprived who share the earth with a few millions of the very rich.
Pope Francis’s call is implicitly against injustice, against inequality and against racism. It is against building and piling destructive weapons, especially nuclear weapons, the wasted resources on which destructive weapons should instead be used to better the human conditions.
Pope Francis is humanity’s new prophet for the twenty-first century.
His message for saving the environment for the sake of all is a gift to humanity.
The call “for a radical transformation of politics, economics and individual lifestyles to confront environmental degradation and climate change” embodies within it an implicit call that the limited resources of the world belong to all of humanity. Perhaps it carries within it a subtle observation that those with less than 20% of the population of the world should not possess and control more than 90% of its wealth and resources.
Pope Francis’s encyclical also embodies a call for redirecting the energies of humanity, from wars and violence toward helping billions of the very poor, the homeless and the deprived who share the earth with a few millions of the very rich.
Pope Francis’s call is implicitly against injustice, against inequality and against racism. It is against building and piling destructive weapons, especially nuclear weapons, the wasted resources on which destructive weapons should instead be used to better the human conditions.
Pope Francis is humanity’s new prophet for the twenty-first century.
His message for saving the environment for the sake of all is a gift to humanity.
7
He's the man.
2
This is important. I agree.
But it does take 2nd place to the 60 Million People left homeless.
But it does take 2nd place to the 60 Million People left homeless.
I commend the Times for its coverage of Pope Francis, his encyclical and the pressing moral, environmental, economic and political issues being addressed here. And I BEG you to keep your eye on the ball - through articles, editorials and reader comments crying out on behalf ofthe earth and all living beings, especially the poor and those who have no voice but will be affected the most and the soonest.
All those who are speaking out/working - to support the call to action on behalf of our planet and all its inhabitants - whether religious leaders, enlightened politicians and business leaders or unsung ordinary citizens across the world, ALL are to be commended. And may God bless and enliven this undertaking, giving its supporters strength and changing the hearts of its misguided detractors.
All those who are speaking out/working - to support the call to action on behalf of our planet and all its inhabitants - whether religious leaders, enlightened politicians and business leaders or unsung ordinary citizens across the world, ALL are to be commended. And may God bless and enliven this undertaking, giving its supporters strength and changing the hearts of its misguided detractors.
3
The Catholic Church endorsing an orthodox scientific consensus regarding geophysics is comedy gold.
Usually, if history is any guide, such an endorsement is a kiss of death for said consensus over time.
You all have been warned...lol.
Usually, if history is any guide, such an endorsement is a kiss of death for said consensus over time.
You all have been warned...lol.
I encourage folks to read the whole text. It's a sweeping document with implications beyond the climate. Papa Francesco in the first paragraph seems to acknowledge our abusive, patriarchal social structure when he compares the planet with an abused woman:
"This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will."
"This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will."
6
I have never understood the conservative argument that dominion means we can trash the earth to our hearts' content. According to theology, God himself labored hard to create this beautiful, irreplaceable, unique planet and he placed it in our hands: it is a sacred gift. If your father labored to build a wonderful family business and then placed it in your hands, would you interpret that to mean you should strip its assets, abuse its workers, and run it into the ground? Would you respect a person with that attitude? Thank you Francis for all that you are doing to open our eyes and make us better people. My family and I are not Catholic, but your words and deeds since becoming pope have touched us deeply.
4
Oh good grief this is getting tiresome. Just look at the by-def ultra-pragmatic reinsurance industry's POV if you want some sort of "proof" (cf. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/an-indust... ) Bottom line (appropriately enough) is that the planet-killing won't quit until we're all regulated into not killing it any further, which I suppose may or may not result in a healthy planet long-term; that of course is yet another conversation.
Pope Francis is truly an inspirational, courageous leader. President Obama started out as one, but has failed to do the hard work of communicating and compromising to turn inspiration into action. In the U.S. we need to elect courageous, pragmatic leaders that will set big goals and work hard in a cooperative way to implement them.
3
President Obama has tried very hard to work with those around him. The amount of hatred and bigotry he has faced has been horrible. It's important to keep that in mind.
This is very naive assessment of political forces in US. Obama was trounced by right wing propaganda already in the summer of 2010. We need more than Obama, much more, and it is not another politician, it is us.
I was a Confirmed Catholic who developed other ideas about what the truth is. But I strongly support the Pope's position, and recommend to all Catholics to take heed.....and....since he is the rock upon which Jesus placed his people....to oppose him is to oppose Jesus.....and become anti-Christs.
2
So we're all excited when the Pope plays Master of the Obvious with respect to climate change? Then where's the excitement when he maintains with equal conviction that God requires women to be second-class citizens in their own church, as well as gays and lesbians? Either the man speaks authoritatively or he doesn't. I'm more interested in what scientists are saying on this particular subject, even though it's nice when a major celebrity throws his/her weight behind a cause. When the Pope admits that priestly celibacy was a Church-invented doctrine to steal land which otherwise might have gone to a married priest's spouse or offspring, I'll start getting excited too.
43
Sorry about the $10 bill.
2
I've never found any one person that I agree with on everything. I doubt that anyone else has ever. If all of us wait for total agreement among all people on every subject nothing will ever get done.
Your namesake had a much less categorical mind.
Will they stop emitting black or white smoke into the athmosphere when selecting a pope?
3
There is little global warming happening since 2005 for Global , Northern Hemisphere, and North American land areas during the last 10 years and for North America possibly as far back as 1998. Global and Northern Hemisphere land areas annual temperature anomalies show a flat or slightly negative or cooling trend of -0.02 C /decade and -0.05/ C/decade respectively since 2005 according to NOAA own Climate at A Glance data. Also their data shows that since 2005, for 34 out of 48 states or 70 % in Contiguous US states, the trend of annual temperature anomalies is declining at -0.69F/decade . The figure is -0.48 F/decade since 1998 .Only 8 Pacific coast states, including the Northwest, West and Southwest and 6 Northeast states show warming. A similar pattern appears in Canada where 7 out of 11 climate regions show declining annual temperature departures since 1998; one is flat and 3 show warming from the 1961-1990 base. In other words 70 % of North American climate regions are not experiencing global warming but cooling. Only the Pacific and Atlantic coastal regions and parts of the High Arctic regions show warming in North America and this is because they are being moderated by the oceans or ENSO events. Even in the Canadian far north including Tundra, Fiords and Mountains there has been a 6 C degree drop in temperatures since 2010.
Well now that Science and Religion agree that human caused climate change needs to be address that only leaves the Republican party to be convinced. Good luck with that.
7
This is not just Christian Theology, this is the good old Liberation Theology people so feared in the past
1
God Almight bless this Pope. Thank you, Holy Father, for speaking from the core of what Jesus Christ called for in the Gospels. You are following His path; let all of us of faith, of all faiths, listen and act accordingly!
7
Thank you Pope Francis!!!
It is about time someone framed this as a MORAL ISSUE rather than a political one...
It is about time someone framed this as a MORAL ISSUE rather than a political one...
33
Yea, a real moral issue. Let's deny third world underdeveloped, and other developing, countries access to cheap energy so that they can stay poor and underdeveloped........all so you NYC liberals can feel good and preach about how you care about the environment. Your hypocrisy is boundless, your sense of entitlement disgusting, and your IMmorality shameless.
Why does man feel he is indestructible and can push the limits of the earth? We are destroying the only thing that supports our life.
14
What are you talking about?
The earth will survive ... humans are another matter.
Greed.
1
As an agnostic and avid environmentalist very much concerned about over-population, I am nevertheless disgusted by those commenters who try to diminish this exciting historic moment with complaints. Give it time. Rome wasn't changed in a day. Don't trash this extraordinary reason for hope by making the perfect the enemy of the good. Of the very, very wonderful good.
34
He has been steeped in Liberation Theology by the far left wing of the Catholic Church, His world view is that of a South American Socialist. Global warming is a hoax, I don't care how many scientists form the "consensus". It is a scheme to tax carbon emissions for the expansion of governments around the world, not the betterment of individuals. Science is not about consensus, it's about proof. Show me proof (not hypothetical computer models) and maybe I'll sign on. Otherwise the Holy Father needs to stay in the realm of religion and faith, where he belongs. His involvement here is akin to Hollywood actors lecturing Congress about homeless people. All show, no substance.
3
"Don't bother me with facts or the truth. My mine is made up."
1
As Neil deGrasse Tyson states, science is true whether or not you believe in it. You are wrong about climate change being a hoax. With the extra energy in the atmosphere we are having storms of a magnitude we haven't seen before. You are right about the demand to cap carbon. What remains of fossil fuels should be used as raw materials for plastics, fibers and the like, not for fuels. The U.S. needs to start funding research at the levels of 25 years ago if we are to have a competitive future. And science has always worked with the consensus of experts of the era. It is impossible to "prove" science.
2
The ice caps are melting. There's your proof.
It is up to the people in our country and elsewhere to respond to this extraordinary act of courage and leadership by Pope Francis.
We must insist that our political leaders in both parties follow the Pope's example by putting aside short term political interests and act with courage and a sense of urgency.
It is very difficult for those who have staked out positions denying the danger to change their attitudes and positions. But for the sake of our grandchildren and their children we must insist they do what is right and prudent. We can and must take action now to reduce the harm being caused by carbon emissions to our planet and all life on earth.
The powerful interests that oppose action can only be defeated when we the people speak clearly and forcefully.
We must insist that our political leaders in both parties follow the Pope's example by putting aside short term political interests and act with courage and a sense of urgency.
It is very difficult for those who have staked out positions denying the danger to change their attitudes and positions. But for the sake of our grandchildren and their children we must insist they do what is right and prudent. We can and must take action now to reduce the harm being caused by carbon emissions to our planet and all life on earth.
The powerful interests that oppose action can only be defeated when we the people speak clearly and forcefully.
14
And together! This is the issue, the recognition of the oneness of humanity with itself and life. The challenge confronting us and how we deal with it will be confirmation of the maturity of our spiritual practice of building community.
What would Galileo and the other early scientists who the Church refuted and punished say if they saw the Pope trying to push society and politicl leaders to belive in sceince and act on it. It is a stunning testament to the power of the climate change deniers that the most conservative (little c) institution in the world sounds progressive on this topic.
8
I am reminded of Revelation's words regarding end times "to bring to ruin those ruining the earth."
3
Looks like the Pope finally found "modern" issue to talk about that would not be very touchy to the doctrine and that could potentially convince younger generation (leaving the church in droves) that the church is truly a progressive institution. I would personally prefer if the church stayed away from advocating, interpreting, or talking about science. Their track record is not very good when it comes to these matters.
1
Check out the Vatican science department, not to mention the Pope's training in chemistry.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-16/how-the-pope-got-relig...
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-16/how-the-pope-got-relig...
6
As long as the environmental lobby opposes nuclear power in favor of fossil fuels, I have a hard time taking climate change too seriously.
2
Well, they don't, so you can relax. For example, James Hanson. For another, many people like me. I don't like it, but advanced nuclear (the kind that recycles its fuel) is way less of a risk than big fossil, particularly the extreme forms such as deepwater and Arctic drilling, fracking, and tar sands, the boom and bus, privatization of profit and socialization of risk, and many many harms of unaccounted costs from fossil. Older grandfathered nuclear do pose a risk from toxic waste in a society that doesn't want to pay for infrastructure while weather ramps up, making power breakdowns more frequent and longer, but it's still not as bad as big fossil. Have you noticed the coal ash ponds? The dead and distorted fish (and people) around the tar sands in Alberta? The earthquake swarms (getting more frequent and powerful) in fracking regions (yes, the wastewater injection wells, and that about wastewater is not nontoxic either).
4
Perhaps you have missed the news stories about the nuclear wastelands created in the Navaho reservation by uranium mines. Remind yourself the danger and damage caused by Fukashima, Three Mile Island and the Hanford Nuclear reservation. Nuclear is no more a solution that fossil fuels.
So the Pope is a "cafeteria Catholic."
Who knew.
Who knew.
2
I am hopeful Pope Francis will also speak about increasing free trade. The benefits of free trade are also settled science (almost 90% of academics agree on the benefits) and are a huge benefit to the poor globally. We need his voice on this as Free Trade denialists like Elizabeth Warren and many House Democrats continue to opt for obstruction at the expense of the country and the world's poor.
2
The TPP gives power to multinational corporations to be above the law, to sue governments for lost profits. Communities seeking to protect themselves by regulating the excesses of profiteers will be set at naught. This gives you an idea of how it's done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UsHHOCH4q8
There is such a thing as ethics and doing right. Profit is not the ultimate good. Working people are not just subjects for reverse Robin Hood, lowering their wages to support the huge excesses of the rich and powerful.
But in any case, this is to claim that the Pope's job is to support your politics.
He has taken a highly ethical stand based on facts. So has Elizabeth Warren. Your guys, not so much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UsHHOCH4q8
There is such a thing as ethics and doing right. Profit is not the ultimate good. Working people are not just subjects for reverse Robin Hood, lowering their wages to support the huge excesses of the rich and powerful.
But in any case, this is to claim that the Pope's job is to support your politics.
He has taken a highly ethical stand based on facts. So has Elizabeth Warren. Your guys, not so much.
11
@Susan
The Pope is trying to alleviate poverty. And with 100% certainty the greatest contributor to the decline in worldwide poverty the last 60 years has been free trade. So it seems pretty obvious from a moral perspective to be advocating for increased free trade.
The Pope is trying to alleviate poverty. And with 100% certainty the greatest contributor to the decline in worldwide poverty the last 60 years has been free trade. So it seems pretty obvious from a moral perspective to be advocating for increased free trade.
I am glad he also mentioned developed countries like ours encouraging "more sober lifestyles" that reduce energy consumption and energy waste. This will have to come from the top of society who model for the rest of us what we should aspire to. Perhaps less jetting, smaller, more energy-efficient mansions, hybrid cars and limos, and locally grown food for their personal lives and of course as CEOs of businesses they can do so much more.
60
As someone with a degree in chemistry, he is speaking as one who has a science background, so his critics will not be able to label him as one who speaks without technical knowledge; however, he needs to get back to the gospel by connecting global warming to its root cause: greed. Furthermore, as the largest landowner in the world, the Catholic Church is uniquely positioned to influence climate change by implementing green initiatives at its properties across the globe. Will the Pope now issue a mandatory directive concerning all Catholic-owned properties such as solar panels on churches, and no cutting trees on undeveloped land owned by the church?
3
Pope Francis just made the catholic church in vogue with the science and the challenges facing the humanity, the foremost-the human depravity and callousness in destroying the earth we stand on and dearly need. We are immune to the suffering of women and children in the world, displaced by war and seeking daily bread to sustain life. We dump billions of dollars to feed the war machine but none to save the humanity from further chaos. We are witnessing the destruction of the earth as we know it. Soon food production will halt due the toxic environment created by commercial farming and the application of pesticides. Pope Francis has now become the face of the 'living Jesus' whose message was to 'love thy neighbor', You do not have to a christian to heed his message but just a human being with a heart and a soul. This is the best ever that came out from the Vatican.
4
Words fail me in expressing my admiration for Pope Francis, on both this and several other issues he has recently addressed...to the benefit of all people of all religious persuasions.
7
I may be wrong but it appears only in America, with our fossil fuel/energy industry, bought and paid for legislators, is climate change a political football.
Now these legislators have the task of attacking the Pope and his credentials while pandering to the religious right. Delicious. Bush can't catch a break.
Now these legislators have the task of attacking the Pope and his credentials while pandering to the religious right. Delicious. Bush can't catch a break.
8
Unfortunately, the English speaking world is joining us. UK (Cameron), Australia (Abbott) and Canada (Harper) and I hear New Zealand. How discouraging to belong to a population that promotes policies leading to the sixth extinction.
2
I, a non-Catholic, welcome Pope Francis' strong statement supporting the urgent need to address climate change due, in part, to human activity. It is, as the Pope notes, a "global problem" that demands global leadership, and Pope Francis is just such a leader who has established himself as strong moral voice. The planet whose creation we, in the West, celebrate, as a holy act, in Genesis is threatened with extinction and it is time, as the Pope states, to turn from crass exploitation for short-term profit to show the respect and love, in what the Pope and others would call "amor mundi," to save our beloved Earth and each other. To delay and deny by continuing to "put our heads in the sand" will only ensure that we as a species will all soon be buried there. Thank you, Pope Francis for speaking out. I only hope those politicians here in the United States who feel comfortable and sanctimonious in using Church doctrine to support their political agenda on abortion and same-sex marriage will embrace your leadership, their faith, and the people of the planet in the compassionate love that is at the heart of all religions.
7
As one who was very upset with the Catholic Church about its protection of child abusers, I now have to say this Pope is giving the Catholic Church a chance to redeem itself. There are people who behave badly and those who behave well in any country, organization, or family. It is really nice to see someone truly following the teachings of Christ who is in power. I was raised Catholic and will never return to that Church, but I won't be as upset with them because this planet and all our future children and grandchildren and great grandchildren need someone in power like this to speak out for them. I do wish that he could address birth control as well.
6
Pope Francis: "Climate change is a global problem with grave implications .. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity"
"a number of scientific studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases ... released mainly as a result of human activity.”
Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe: "man-made climate change is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people ... The arrogance of people to think that we, human beings, would be able to change what [God] is doing to the climate is ... outrageous."
"a number of scientific studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases ... released mainly as a result of human activity.”
Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe: "man-made climate change is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people ... The arrogance of people to think that we, human beings, would be able to change what [God] is doing to the climate is ... outrageous."
4
This encyclical is magnificent. But what about Francis's views on overpopulation, abortion and birth control? I think they are irrelevant to the larger discussion.
By and large, Catholics the world over have been ignoring official teachings on contraception and even to some extent on abortion and will continue to do so.
Also, where poor people, especially women, are given half a chance, population goes down below replacement level anyway.
Besides, as a practical matter if Francis had come out in favor of artificial contraception and abortion, that's all anyone would be talking about and his larger and much more important message would be ignored.
By and large, Catholics the world over have been ignoring official teachings on contraception and even to some extent on abortion and will continue to do so.
Also, where poor people, especially women, are given half a chance, population goes down below replacement level anyway.
Besides, as a practical matter if Francis had come out in favor of artificial contraception and abortion, that's all anyone would be talking about and his larger and much more important message would be ignored.
8
It is too bad he doesn't talk about population growth, which is one of the main problems. If he changed the Catholic position on birth control that would be a truly heroic action.
14
This Encyclical on global warming will cause those who profit from the causes of global warming to attack Pope Francis,
Believe it or not, however, Francis has just made a true friend and admirer in Texas where our politicians don't believe in regulations on anything.
Believe it or not, however, Francis has just made a true friend and admirer in Texas where our politicians don't believe in regulations on anything.
14
The Nobel Peace Prize for Pope Francis, well-deserved!
5
The ONE policy which the Vatican could change to combat this problem is on birth control.
The Pope is telling everybody else to make sacrifices but won't do it himself.
He fits well into the current political landscape.
The Pope is telling everybody else to make sacrifices but won't do it himself.
He fits well into the current political landscape.
5
Re "The pope blamed environmental destruction on apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology, and political shortsightedness. "
... no quite ... he needs to add the reckless intransigence of dogmatic religious doctrine.
... no quite ... he needs to add the reckless intransigence of dogmatic religious doctrine.
5
This pope could make me believe there really is a God after all.
3
Has the Pope parked his 747 and gone into something more efficient like a G650?
4
This is actually a treatise against knowledge (no surprise there) and likely to harm the cause of addressing climate damage, I think. Because he doesn't own the role of the Vatican ITSELF in climate damage, he will just provoke more conflict over this issue. This simply reads to me as a defensive move; he's trying to deflect and avoid the claims more than a billion people on the planet have against the Vatican.
3
Scientists as scientists will cringe at having to "love your fellow human beings and the rest of creation in order to love God" because that is a religious belief. But this encyclical is very, very welcome by most thinking persons. He has obviously become very informed. I have followed climate change for 50 years as a scientifically trained person and he speak complete truth in everything he says about the scientific, political and economic aspects. Even the note about carbon credits is absolutely correct and brilliant because carbon credits would simply allow the same outdated unregulated capitalistic system which has created the problem, to attempt with more of the same, to undue the problem.
As he states, we need to reform the economic system we have with different values; it is a value problem as the church states. And a very critical one that needs immediate attention.
As I sit here writing this in NC, new temperature records are being set almost daily as those temps reach into the 100 degree range; in the nineties for days. And summer has not arrived yet.
As a leader of the world, he should be applauded. And I am an atheist.
As he states, we need to reform the economic system we have with different values; it is a value problem as the church states. And a very critical one that needs immediate attention.
As I sit here writing this in NC, new temperature records are being set almost daily as those temps reach into the 100 degree range; in the nineties for days. And summer has not arrived yet.
As a leader of the world, he should be applauded. And I am an atheist.
133
Scientists are not cringing, they are celebrating; most have no trouble keeping their faith and their scientific work in perspective. It's hard to be opposed by nonsense and not be able to get through, and we all need all the help we can get.
1
These are indeed strange times, when the Pope is our first line of defense against corporate oligarchs perfectly willing to destroy the world to make themselves richer.
We live in NC and we're also deeply worried about this unseasonable heat. Your sentence, "And summer has not arrived yet" may not resonate with people in less rigorous climates, but it seems likely that soon enough they too will know what it means to dread July and August as we do.
We live in NC and we're also deeply worried about this unseasonable heat. Your sentence, "And summer has not arrived yet" may not resonate with people in less rigorous climates, but it seems likely that soon enough they too will know what it means to dread July and August as we do.
This Pope, while not perfect, has brought about a quantum leap for the Catholic church. It will be interesting to see how his intelligence, confidence and his pure devotion to humanity will hopefully influence us all to simply do the right thing. Those who continue to cling to old notions - which have defined them and their egos for so long - should seize this opportunity to shed that old armor and just join the family of mankind.
4
There are lots of climate damage authorities with vastly greater authority than this.
Why is there nothing in this about the Vatican's role in climate damage? And the role of its female enablers.
They have encouraged the overpopulation, the excessive family size, the suprahumanization of man, the subhumanization of woman, the disregard of science, the arrested and distorted development of children.
I think this is nothing but a desperate defensive move to prevent the claims more than a billion people have against the Vatican for harms?
And the fact that Catholic ideology has taken over a country like the US makes it complicit in the problem. The Court is majority Catholic, the President was citing the Pope as an authority in the State of the Union, Boehner and Pelosi have invited the Pope to speak to the US Congress, and he is doing the very aggressive thing of going to the "in souls there is no gender" colonial ground of Philadelphia.
Why is there nothing in this about the Vatican's role in climate damage? And the role of its female enablers.
They have encouraged the overpopulation, the excessive family size, the suprahumanization of man, the subhumanization of woman, the disregard of science, the arrested and distorted development of children.
I think this is nothing but a desperate defensive move to prevent the claims more than a billion people have against the Vatican for harms?
And the fact that Catholic ideology has taken over a country like the US makes it complicit in the problem. The Court is majority Catholic, the President was citing the Pope as an authority in the State of the Union, Boehner and Pelosi have invited the Pope to speak to the US Congress, and he is doing the very aggressive thing of going to the "in souls there is no gender" colonial ground of Philadelphia.
3
I see anti-Catholicism is alive and well!
Climate Change, not long ago referred to as Global Warming, is one of the greatest threats to global civilization. A genuine study of the evidence reveals that Climate Change, whatever that means, it not what we've been told.
The scientific community has betrayed us! We need to think for ourselves! Study the patterns, connect the dots, and you'll see for yourself a global agenda.
The meek shall NOT inherit the Earth but led into servitude instead. Expect less for all but the chosen few if we continue to follow them. Don't be fooled. Let your heart (not your head) be your guide.
The scientific community has betrayed us! We need to think for ourselves! Study the patterns, connect the dots, and you'll see for yourself a global agenda.
The meek shall NOT inherit the Earth but led into servitude instead. Expect less for all but the chosen few if we continue to follow them. Don't be fooled. Let your heart (not your head) be your guide.
We are accumulating heat-trapping greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, increasing the energy (heat) in the system (global warming) which is disrupting our planetary circulation (climate change). You are promoting false nonsense.
I agree with this Pope's environmental philosophy, though disagree on forbidding contraception. To add to this - NASA has had a monitor in space studying the loss of groundwater over the years, and the world is in serious danger of running out of water. What good are the material possessions without life? Don't any of the hypocritical right wingers have grandchildren they care about? Our sort sighted greed oriented elite are destroying the planet for themselves as well as anyone else.
5
Pope needs to shut up. This is a secular matter, not a religious one. I have no respect for the church when it interfered in Secular matters. That is why the church is losing respect. Its continual interference in secular matters
2
What do you even mean by secular or religious? The fate of the Earth is a moral matter which overlaps both domains.
I intend to read the document , and the quotes set forth by reporters Goodstein and Yardley are encouraging and positive. But as a student of history, one has to chuckle a bit. Remember the Know Nothings? Remember the (justifiable in my view) fear and loathing 19th century Americans had of the Roman Pontiff who regularly condemned religious freedom and a free press and his church and the waves of RC immigrants? Remember the Thomas Nast political cartoon, "The American River Ganges", showing RC bishops as crocodiles about to devour huddling Protestant schoolchildren clutching a King James Bible?
There was a time when we expected our presidential candidates to treat Rome and its church with the disdain of a 16th century Reformation leader. Remember JFK and his obligatory appearance before the meeting of ministers where he assured them he was no tool of Rome? How times have changed! Not a single Protestant on SCOTUS. Not one, though I read that Breyer's daughter had become Episcopalian. Did we as a nation change or did the RCC at Vatican II? I'd say both but more so the RCC adopting the freedoms mentioned in our Bill of Rights and in the European conventions on basic rights (though not contraception). The encyclical speaks not so much to us but to the developing world whom Francis sees as the victims and where most of his flock resides these days as Catholicism fades in the developed world.
There was a time when we expected our presidential candidates to treat Rome and its church with the disdain of a 16th century Reformation leader. Remember JFK and his obligatory appearance before the meeting of ministers where he assured them he was no tool of Rome? How times have changed! Not a single Protestant on SCOTUS. Not one, though I read that Breyer's daughter had become Episcopalian. Did we as a nation change or did the RCC at Vatican II? I'd say both but more so the RCC adopting the freedoms mentioned in our Bill of Rights and in the European conventions on basic rights (though not contraception). The encyclical speaks not so much to us but to the developing world whom Francis sees as the victims and where most of his flock resides these days as Catholicism fades in the developed world.
2
How about creating a nation wide write-in-vote for Pope Francis in the 2016 US presidential election ? Bernie could be his VP to handle the day-to-day stuff.
2
I feel like a kid again in the 1960's! Here we have, a pope like John XXIII, as inclusive as can be and a human!
7
Viva il Papa Francesco!
3
"Many conservatives will be pleased, however, because Francis also included a strong criticism of abortion while also belittling the argument that population control represented a solution to limited resources and poverty."
Thank you Pope Francis for including this in your encyclical because defending human life is one of the most important aspects of civilized society. We must not ever forget the unborn as they are precious in the sight of God. You are a beacon of light for a violent world.
Thank you Pope Francis for including this in your encyclical because defending human life is one of the most important aspects of civilized society. We must not ever forget the unborn as they are precious in the sight of God. You are a beacon of light for a violent world.
23
Why? Are you a vegetarian? Do you defend animal life, also? Is human life more valuable than elephant life, for example? We are living in the midst of a human caused extinction of vast numbers of animals, many of whom are sentient, in their way. Why would civilized people defend human life in particular, if humans are the greatest killers?
Hi Jane- I am a vegetarian, and pro-life, and against the Death penalty! (And a democrat!) It is called Consistent Life ethic (used to be seamless garment). Join us, Jane!
I
I
1
There is NO such thing as 'unborn' - there is a fetus and when it is born, there is a child.
Abortions have a 'fact of life' for centuries (even in biblical times). Not all births are wanted. No all conceptions are 'blessed' (like rape). I will NEVER force anyone (you, if applicable) to have an abortion. Why don't you not force your religious beliefs (heartfelt & sincere, I'm sure) on women whose lives and circumstances you know ZERO about.
Let this be a woman's choice - period and let all women have access to SAFE abortions if that is what is needed.
Abortions have a 'fact of life' for centuries (even in biblical times). Not all births are wanted. No all conceptions are 'blessed' (like rape). I will NEVER force anyone (you, if applicable) to have an abortion. Why don't you not force your religious beliefs (heartfelt & sincere, I'm sure) on women whose lives and circumstances you know ZERO about.
Let this be a woman's choice - period and let all women have access to SAFE abortions if that is what is needed.
2
The Pope's upward battle seems large here, but the naysayers are actually a small group. However, the hypocrisy of some of the Republican party members and by and large conservatives is breath taking. Cherry picking what they want to address as political or not is so evident yet unclear to "them" of this folly. For anyone to make climate change a political issue, when in actuality it's a global concern is absolutely frustrating. We are feeling the results of our actions that have caused the planet's climate to change sometimes directly and others so remote we can hardy believe they are true. Despite not being a religious person and an ex-Catholic, I celebrate Pope Francis' crusade. You Go Pope Go
5
Wonderful thoughts, wonderful man. But, he's a bit late to the climatic party, like most on this planet for the past 60-years in government and on corporate boards. The Catholic Church's policies on birth control and subsequent large families are totally out of synch, always have been.
There is exponential population growth, particularly in Africa and poorer countries as has been said. Combined with over consumption and gluttony in most everything, whether bigger cars or bigger Slurpee's, deforestation in many areas, and inabilities to "Just Say No", tomorrow's problems are now here- sadly for other flora and fauna as well as future generations of humans.
There is exponential population growth, particularly in Africa and poorer countries as has been said. Combined with over consumption and gluttony in most everything, whether bigger cars or bigger Slurpee's, deforestation in many areas, and inabilities to "Just Say No", tomorrow's problems are now here- sadly for other flora and fauna as well as future generations of humans.
3
The church hasn't advocated for large families in a very long time (the 1950s-maybe?). Most Catholics use birth control and Catholic birth rates are not particularly high across the world. What planet do you live on? Your information is about 70 years out of date!
Just when things seem darkest, a bit of light emerges.
The world is full of misinformation, confusion and more than its share of deliberate malfeasance. Yet in times of need, we have a way of finding leaders and movements that save us from the worst.
Sometimes the leaders are secular: people like Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt or Isaac Newton. Sometimes we find spiritual leaders like the 14th Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, St. Teresa, Mirabai or Pope Francis' namesake. It's too early to tell if Francis himself will turn out to be one of those pivotal leaders who help turn the tide, but there is reason to hope.
What a joy to read a little good news in a paper usually filled only with troubling stories.
The world is full of misinformation, confusion and more than its share of deliberate malfeasance. Yet in times of need, we have a way of finding leaders and movements that save us from the worst.
Sometimes the leaders are secular: people like Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt or Isaac Newton. Sometimes we find spiritual leaders like the 14th Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, St. Teresa, Mirabai or Pope Francis' namesake. It's too early to tell if Francis himself will turn out to be one of those pivotal leaders who help turn the tide, but there is reason to hope.
What a joy to read a little good news in a paper usually filled only with troubling stories.
5
Why is this article not blaring over the front pages of the NY Times? This is one of the most important articles of the month.
4
He is absolutely right, irrespective of his religious affiliation. Our species is in a deep ethical crisis. The constructs of our society are not prepared to deal with technological growth on this scale. The seductive allure of quick profit enabled via technology has emboldened entrepreneurial endeavors to invent and exploit at will, because the rewards are so great. It is fostering an unbalanced perspective for many, which in turn is causing side effects that will ultimately circle back to hurt us. This way of life is also harming so many other forms of life. We have really lost our way... and so many people just choose not to believe it because of blind faith in technology to solve any problem.
I hope this encyclical from Pope Francis will inspire many to see the light and change their ways. If they don't... well, we're doomed.
I hope this encyclical from Pope Francis will inspire many to see the light and change their ways. If they don't... well, we're doomed.
5
Without a religious bone in my body, I must say I like this man, this pope. He has been remarkable for his positions and voice. All the more remarkable from his position. I'm not interested, today, in throwing GOP, conservative or Democratic stones at one another. I am more interested in reflecting on the Pope's message. Maybe as a failed Catholic I'll get it right today!
4
This is where the Church's threat of eternal damnation may actually do some good. Some of those who lack conscience require "authority" to distinguish right from wrong. The rest need enforceable laws.
We have a right to protect ourselves.
[7:43 am PDT]
We have a right to protect ourselves.
[7:43 am PDT]
2
The Pope weighs in as a climate alarmist and adds more credence to the notion that climate alarmism is just a secular religion. Why on earth would we listen to the leader of this virulently anti-reason organization that stuck it Galileo? Francis should stick to saving souls and leave science to the skeptics.
2
I am sorry you feel that way.
1
With "Laudato Si," Pope Francis has become the voice of conscience for ALL of humankind, and I await the leaders of the other world religions to join forces with him. This will not happened, however, because world politics is about imperialism, development via capitalist aggrandizement, and forcible dominion, with supportive roles played by too many religious leaders.
This encyclical is a clarion call to sanity, human decency, and the putting into practice of the meaningful worship of God--and for nonbelievers, living a moral life with respect to peace, social justice, and other aspects of the same meaningful worship. Spoliation is immoral, just as exploitation is. Those who seek to marginalize Francis by building an artificial wall between politics and morality had best begin to come to terms with their conscience for mounting apologia to inequality, privation, human suffering, all in the name of progress.
This encyclical will go down hard in the US, where already lame rationales are used, by conservative Catholics and all who are in denial about climate change, to evade moral responsibility for the welfare, not only of humankind, but every phase of life, including Nature, plants, animals, down to the subatomic level. Francia is calling our bluff. We are destroyers, not propagators, haters, not lovers, fast losing the right to claim human dignity. He has laid down the challenge: the affirmation of life itself.
This encyclical is a clarion call to sanity, human decency, and the putting into practice of the meaningful worship of God--and for nonbelievers, living a moral life with respect to peace, social justice, and other aspects of the same meaningful worship. Spoliation is immoral, just as exploitation is. Those who seek to marginalize Francis by building an artificial wall between politics and morality had best begin to come to terms with their conscience for mounting apologia to inequality, privation, human suffering, all in the name of progress.
This encyclical will go down hard in the US, where already lame rationales are used, by conservative Catholics and all who are in denial about climate change, to evade moral responsibility for the welfare, not only of humankind, but every phase of life, including Nature, plants, animals, down to the subatomic level. Francia is calling our bluff. We are destroyers, not propagators, haters, not lovers, fast losing the right to claim human dignity. He has laid down the challenge: the affirmation of life itself.
2
W.H. Auden, that prescient poet, once wrote: "We must love one another or die." The genius of Pope Francis, and that greater Francis before him, is to affirm this interpersonal love as parentally global. Pre-eminently it includes our mother, Earth, made chronically ill by human greed. The new encyclical is a clarion call to a "conversion of manners": to a radical reorientation of our planetary life toward the goal of shared sustainability. It must happen now. No longer can we mope, grope, or cope. Hope has made it into that grim family of rhymes. So has the Pope.
104
Climate change is the true specter haunting modern civilization. It is the ultimate "crisis of capitalism" foreseen by Marx and Engels. Murray Bookchin tried to tell us this decades ago, but few we're listening to his prescient arguments.
2
The underlying cause of environmental degradation is that there are too many people fighting for a limited amount of resources. Thus, the most basic solution is to limit human population. And yet, here we have the R. C. Church, the dogma of which proscribes birth control, calling for radical change in order to confront environmental damage and climate change. The hypocrisy is astounding.
3
Republicans: The Pope is not a scientist and the earth is 5,000 years old, as it says in the Bible.
Pope: And yet it moves.
Pope: And yet it moves.
Sure, he's going to be assailed from all sides for what he didn't do and for what the church has so long represented that has now fallen out of favour or been exposed as sheer stupidity. But, he has taken an important step, that I, as someone who has no fondness for the catholic church or organized religion in general, applaud. Maybe it'll force the big boys to crawl out from beneath the "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" charade and face this huge problem.
1
The goal should be a sustainable environment in which all have basic human needs satisfied. While it is true that wealthy countries are responsible for most of the greenhouse gas emissions so far, it is not possible to achieve this goal unless poor countries sharply reduce population growth. Thus, morality dictates encouragement of contraception, and the Church's teachings on this issue will continue to cause great suffering in the world. Still, I applaud the Pope for countering the selfish, intellectually dishonest stance of those who refuse to take on climate change.
2
We'll know when the world leaders are serious about global warming when they stop polluting our troposphere with a minimum of 8 pounds of carbon per minute, flying in jets to meet to talk about global warming, when it could easily be done by teleconference. Of course this goes for "conservationists" as well, and for "eco tourists". I'm sure Air Force one dumps a lot more than 8 pounds of carbon per minute, not to mention the prez' entourage of fighter jets and secret service airplanes.
Anybody see the growing paradox? "Support" the environment, but continue to encourage unsustainable population growth, particularly if they are christians, or about-to-be christians? Ridiculous. The earth movement needs serious proponents. People who actually pursue the scientific method of evidence.
The Pope's just telling it like it is. The industrialists and their political stooges should take heed. But if the familiar script holds true, they will no doubt require further urging because money is always indifferent to decency and common sense.
3
This is huge and very timely.
6
The Pope has more courage than most of our elected officials — he's willing to listen to science and not to donations from Big Pollution.
He's both remarkably rational and remarkably true to God's Word, and we need him.
He's both remarkably rational and remarkably true to God's Word, and we need him.
3
Galileo would be so pleased. Now what are we going to do about it?
2
It's refreshing to have a pope who's grounded in the real world. Now, if he can tackle overpopulation by allowing that contraception and education can alleviate so much misery in the world, we'll have a new era of enlightenment.
4
The more the merrier and the more donations at mass on Sunday. I approve everything this pope stands for as a man of principle and I believe as a former evangelical and current secular-agnostic that he will eventually lift the contraception ban that contributes to global warming, allow priests to marry as they have in the past and allow women priests. Y because as a parishioner told me when one asks Y; one asks Yaweh.
I like the pope.
He has put a longline of evolution hating anti scientists in the church organisation aside and embraced what is logical and obvious.
If this voice echoed more closely with the churches most people would not look at religion as an uncessary relic of the past.
He has put a longline of evolution hating anti scientists in the church organisation aside and embraced what is logical and obvious.
If this voice echoed more closely with the churches most people would not look at religion as an uncessary relic of the past.
1
It is worth noting that Pope Francis, as is the case with most modern Jesuits, pursued a secular education before the theological one. He is, I suspect, the first pope with a science background--in this case chemistry. So, as opposed to politicians who hide behind a statement that they are "not scientists" as they deny climate change, Pope Francis has the science background to bolster his theological/ideological stance.
3
As if big businesses care what the Pope thinks of them. I'm glad he's paying attention but businesses don't care about the planet or the people living on the planet. They care about their bottom line. If it's good for their profits, the shareholders, and the executive level employees salaries the health of the planet doesn't matter, period.
2
I agree, hen3ry, as that is the stated purpose of corporations.
But, this man is not looking to the corporate entity to change things, he is going after those shareholders with a conscience (just noticed that word includes "science"...), and the general public to pressure the Boards of these companies to change their ways, to move from the quarterly report pressure to a much longer term vision.
Love this guy.
But, this man is not looking to the corporate entity to change things, he is going after those shareholders with a conscience (just noticed that word includes "science"...), and the general public to pressure the Boards of these companies to change their ways, to move from the quarterly report pressure to a much longer term vision.
Love this guy.
1
My hope is that as a result of this encyclical and his speeches In Congress and at the U.S. the Pope will finally convince most Americans that global worming is a natural, man-made crisis, and that it is the moral responsibility of the peoples of the developed world to address this problem in a forthright manner. At the same time, we must admit that we live in a world that uses enormous amounts of energy. Increased energy conservation is important and will reduce the growth of our demand for energy. But the huge demand will remain, for heat, for light, for manufacturing, for transportation. President Obama has described an energy future with multiple sources of energy. But right now, the only source that can replace much of the energy coming from fossil fuels is nuclear energy. It produces absolutely no CO2 emissions, but no new nuclear power plants have been built in the U.S. for decades. But if we do not increase our use of nuclear energy, what will replace fossil fuels? If we don't answer this question, there will be no willingness by our citizens to replace fossil fuels. Difficult questions must be asked, and hard choices made that both stop the trend of global warming and preserve the economy of the U.S. and the rest of the world.
44
Urgently, we must reduce our consumption of the planet's resources. The truth is that the global economy can not be sustained in its present state. Reining in our focus to regard the health of the planet and its ability to sustain diverse life must necessarily take us away from our preoccupation with profits and wealth: this is the essential message of Jesus Christ and the true work of the Church.
1
The Pope and everyone else are contributors to global warming - when we drive a car, fly a plane, turn on the air conditioner or heating. It's unavoidable and conservation and renewable energy can only put a dent in the consumption. I am in full agreement that we have to make the pact with the devil and sign on to nuclear energy.
1
William, unfortunately, people for the most part, believe what they hear on the TV and the radio and given deregulation and the fact that major corporations own the major radio/TV/newspaper outlets, they are either not going to hear it on those outlets, or they are going to hear what the Koch brothers of this world wants them to hear, and since this thought would cut into their profits, they are going to continue the lies. It's called propaganda.
For those of us that have spent our careers working for environmental healing, and especially for those of us who have championed the instilling of an ethical and spiritual context for environmental issues, the encyclical is a magnificent breakthrough. I will admit to finding some humor in the fact that all of the current GOP candidates — many of whom use religion lavishly to advance their careers — might now be formally classified as heretical by the church based on their stated views on climate and the environment. The one issue I take some umbrage with in the encyclical, however, is Pope Francis's perspective on population growth. There is an abundance of data — not to mention common sense — suggesting that a global population of 7 billion going on 10-15 billion is going to make the problems of the globe manifestly worse. I don't think it is a choice between population or social improvement and equity, but rather a combination of the two. I am a little surprised, for all his sophistication in the treatise, he was simplistic on this one point. Overall, though, a historic moment the world is right to celebrate!
4
It seems we have a leader whose positions are not for sale to corporate interests. Pope Francis gives the impression that even if his position was subject to periodic elections and said elections were determined by raising obscene sums of cash, he might stay true to his God and to the science that flows from a God-given universe.
Although I am not a religious person in any traditional sense, I cannot help but wish we had more people like the Pope in leadership roles - in sanctuaries of all stripes and in political careers. Most assuredly that is a widely shared wish and this one man offers some hope that it is not entirely in vain.
Although I am not a religious person in any traditional sense, I cannot help but wish we had more people like the Pope in leadership roles - in sanctuaries of all stripes and in political careers. Most assuredly that is a widely shared wish and this one man offers some hope that it is not entirely in vain.
6
The Encyclical by Pope Francis is not simply a sharp critique of modern industrial civilisation that has pushed the poor and deprived to the margins of society but also a clear rebuke to the dominant interests controlling the levers of power in politics and business, and have developed an unbreakable nexus between them.
4
Once again I thank God for this Pope.
5
Don't we all really know, deep down, that "skepticism" regarding anthropogenic climate change is driven by fear that mitigating it will cost money, that the Republican opposition is merely fear and greed made manifest?
The Pope taking the side of science versus the Party of Lincoln. Who'd a thunk it?
The Pope taking the side of science versus the Party of Lincoln. Who'd a thunk it?
2
Environmental disasters cost a lot of money and Republicans know that but they're bought and paid for by oil and coal companies so the only money they care about is the money that comes their way.
I am not a Catholic, but I have immense respect for this Pope. Let the right-wing attacks that the Pope doesn't understand capitalism begin! But there are many ways to practice capitalism. In the US we have chosen to practice a version where the playing field is significantly tilted in favor of the super rich, who are encouraged to make themselves richer at the expense of everyone else and who leave the burden of the mess they create to the poorest among us. This is not just an economic issue, it is a clear moral issue and the Pope is right to inject himself into the discussion. Kudos!
2
It's great to see the Pope tackling this issue, and I agree with many of the points he makes. I'm an atheist, but I welcome all allies in the fight to preserve the planet and our atmosphere.
However, his willful blindness on the topic of women, in particular on the topic of birth control, is not helpful at best and destructive at worst, to the extent that it encourages people to avoid taking practical steps to limit family size.
Most American Catholics already ignore Catholic restrictions on the use of modern birth control methods (condoms, the pill, IUDs, etc.). But many in poorer countries with less well educated populations do not. That does real harm.
As long as the Pope continues to adhere to the church's current teachings on birth control and refuses to accord full equality to women within the Catholic church, he's unfortunately a big part of the problem, and a contributor to the environmental degradation he's speaking out against.
However, his willful blindness on the topic of women, in particular on the topic of birth control, is not helpful at best and destructive at worst, to the extent that it encourages people to avoid taking practical steps to limit family size.
Most American Catholics already ignore Catholic restrictions on the use of modern birth control methods (condoms, the pill, IUDs, etc.). But many in poorer countries with less well educated populations do not. That does real harm.
As long as the Pope continues to adhere to the church's current teachings on birth control and refuses to accord full equality to women within the Catholic church, he's unfortunately a big part of the problem, and a contributor to the environmental degradation he's speaking out against.
1
You are right about over-population, but ever try to turn around an ocean liner? Rome is not going to change in a day. As an agnostic environmentalist, I say, be thankful and grateful for the courage and morality of Pope Francis. Consider this encyclical a start, hope and pray for its effectiveness and the possibility of more brave changes to come.
If only the Pope could now untangle our Left wing environmental - NIMBY mess. The viable answers to climate change are all dead in the water thanks to the left. Nuclear, DOA, Fracking for gas and the pipelines to deliver it and close coal fired plants DOA. High speed rail, DOA. Electric cars, DOA without the power plants to charge them. Large scale wind farms DOA. Expand Hydro, DOA. LED light bulbs are good, all the lead and heavy metal pollution is in China.
The left are the problem? Fracking is a solution? I dare say the barriers to clean energy solutions are the big coal & oil & utilities.
Santorum has already said that the Pope should stay out of politics. Watch what he says next...
6
Santorum can barely get anyone to show up for his appearances, crowds have sometimes been in the single digits. He's not relevant.
1
After 40 years of being a non practicing Catholic this Pope may bring me back to the fold. He is not only on the side of the angels but also of common sense change.
5
it's good to see someone in a world leadership position acknowledge we live in the 21st century rather than the 13th.
10
Science and religion can co-exist. I am very glad Pope Francis can illuminate the ignorant religious group in the US. It's time for these people to stop using religions as their excuse to go against scientific findings.
6
There's been a lot of talk about being a uniter rather than a divider, but the meme is actually true about Pope Francis. Fascinating how many people of other religions are flocking to his support.
As to the history of science and the Vatican, it turns out that Benedict was also for stewarding the environment. This was interesting:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-16/how-the-pope-got-relig...
" Behind the Scenes With the Pope's Secret Science Committee
These are the top-tier researchers doing research for the Vatican"
"Among the horde was Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.... He had a message for Pope Francis. Only it was too long.
"The academy’s chancellor ... suggested to Ramanathan that he condense his thoughts to just two sentences ... Ramanathan, who speaks no Spanish, spent the balance of the eight-minute jaunt committing the words to memory. He got it down with moments to spare. The phrases vanished as soon as he caught a glimpse of Pope Francis himself.
"The pope has that effect on people."
"Pope Francis receives advice about climate change science from some of the field’s most accomplished veterans"
"All he had to do was sum up more than a century of thought and research that in the past two decades has been validated repeatedly ... “We are concerned about climate change,” he told Francis. “The poorest 3 billion people are going to suffer the worst consequences.”"
As to the history of science and the Vatican, it turns out that Benedict was also for stewarding the environment. This was interesting:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-16/how-the-pope-got-relig...
" Behind the Scenes With the Pope's Secret Science Committee
These are the top-tier researchers doing research for the Vatican"
"Among the horde was Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.... He had a message for Pope Francis. Only it was too long.
"The academy’s chancellor ... suggested to Ramanathan that he condense his thoughts to just two sentences ... Ramanathan, who speaks no Spanish, spent the balance of the eight-minute jaunt committing the words to memory. He got it down with moments to spare. The phrases vanished as soon as he caught a glimpse of Pope Francis himself.
"The pope has that effect on people."
"Pope Francis receives advice about climate change science from some of the field’s most accomplished veterans"
"All he had to do was sum up more than a century of thought and research that in the past two decades has been validated repeatedly ... “We are concerned about climate change,” he told Francis. “The poorest 3 billion people are going to suffer the worst consequences.”"
2
As an atheist I applaud this encyclical, just as the humanist in me applauds Pope Francis' position on the excesses of capitalism. I hope the day will soon come when religions (not just the Catholics!) recognize the association between population growth and deleterious effects such as poverty, species extinctions, depletion of natural resources and climate change.
5
A real humanist wouldn't be flaunting that crummy image of the President, particularly given the man's actions to extend CAFE standards, expand the Pacific reserve, start shutting down coal, and work out rational action on climate change.
Reality check those who hold high office well aware of what globilzation has done to planet.Unforently pope is correct most which people don't want to hear truth. Poles wil melt an oceans wil rise dramticly causing untold changes to earth crust. Problem is too late even for pope damage is done to planet because people wont change . It would take globel effort from all countrys most which are to corrupt an busy making profits at expense next generation
2
This planet is the only home the human race will ever have. As we kill off many keystone species of plants and animals, foul the air and pollute the water, we are also destroying future generations' ability to find sufficient food and potable water, to find clean air to breathe, to live.
Maybe - just maybe - Pope Francis can put some sense into enough people to make a difference. Even if some people do not care about all the animal and plant species for which time is running out, maybe the pope will help them see how environmental destruction and the unpredictable changes that a warming planet will bring will wreak havoc on our supply of food, water, clean air and our very survival. I may not believe in a god, but this pope gives me some hope for and the planet's future.
Maybe - just maybe - Pope Francis can put some sense into enough people to make a difference. Even if some people do not care about all the animal and plant species for which time is running out, maybe the pope will help them see how environmental destruction and the unpredictable changes that a warming planet will bring will wreak havoc on our supply of food, water, clean air and our very survival. I may not believe in a god, but this pope gives me some hope for and the planet's future.
2
"...belittling the argument that population control represented a solution to limited resources and poverty."
On this point the pope is wrong, dead wrong. And not only wrong but irresponsible for giving adherents of the Catholic Church and, by extension all mankind, license to "breed like rabbits."
Man is the only creature on Earth capable of carrying out the destruction of the home to himself and every other living thing, and Man is going about the completion of that process with a vengeance. The resources that support the existence of life, in all its forms, are not infinite, sunlight included. But even though the Sun's extinction is billions of years in the future, sunlight, though essential is not sufficient for life to continue.
Man, as a species, is as unconcerned about the survival of his fellow creatures as any other species is, itself, unconcerned about the survival of Man. But Man is the only species capable of survival on practically any land mass on the planet. And Man, "modern" man, is the only creature that demands more resources than needed for his survival, the only creature capable of poisoning the water he drinks, the air he breathes, the soil that provides his food. He has done all of these with abandon.
Man's destruction of his own home by overpopulation does not follow an arithmetic but a geometric arc in proportion to his numbers. It is for this reason that population control is as essential for life to continue as sunlight is.
On this point the pope is wrong, dead wrong. And not only wrong but irresponsible for giving adherents of the Catholic Church and, by extension all mankind, license to "breed like rabbits."
Man is the only creature on Earth capable of carrying out the destruction of the home to himself and every other living thing, and Man is going about the completion of that process with a vengeance. The resources that support the existence of life, in all its forms, are not infinite, sunlight included. But even though the Sun's extinction is billions of years in the future, sunlight, though essential is not sufficient for life to continue.
Man, as a species, is as unconcerned about the survival of his fellow creatures as any other species is, itself, unconcerned about the survival of Man. But Man is the only species capable of survival on practically any land mass on the planet. And Man, "modern" man, is the only creature that demands more resources than needed for his survival, the only creature capable of poisoning the water he drinks, the air he breathes, the soil that provides his food. He has done all of these with abandon.
Man's destruction of his own home by overpopulation does not follow an arithmetic but a geometric arc in proportion to his numbers. It is for this reason that population control is as essential for life to continue as sunlight is.
1
I am not a Catholic or a religious person, but I continue to be astounded at the courage and clear thinking of Pope Franciis. We need all the help we can get in stopping our destruction of the environment. It is wonderful to see that the Pope realizes the people who suffer the most from environmental destruction are the poor and the frail. Pope Francis has a powerful effect on its membership worldwide. Thank you, Pope Francis.
5
Hackles are being raised by Francis’ criticism of capitalism. But look at how the Church views economics, which can be seen in its orders of monks and nuns, who live as Jesus lived and intended for us to live. The members of such societies work not primarily for themselves but for others as part of the greater community. They don’t compete; they share. They don’t aspire to wealth but rather to meet needs. They don’t look to consume but rather to minimize material consumption and to seek reward in human and spiritual things. Exactly how Christian ‘conservatives’ support capitalism I will never fathom. The fact is, if we all lived as Jesus advocated, our capitalist economy would, in short order, completely collapse.
1
Your Holiness, Concerned about climate change? Encourage Catholics to use scientific methods of contraception.
5
There is a well established consensus amongst scientists that global warming is happening, and even a concensus as to its cause. However there are diverging opinions on consequences, even within our lifetime. The genie is now out of the bottle but what it will do is still largely speculative where there is little or no concensus. Conceivably our goose is cooked already regardless what we may or may not do. Physicist Stephen Hawking observes ''it is not clear yet that intelligence has any long-term survival value''.
3
And the Catholic fab five on the supremes? What will they say? Aren't moral dilemmas fun to watch? Wait, that assumes a sense of morality. I haven't seen any from them, just nasty judgmentalism and moralizing - not the same thing at all.
6
Since there is no "Global Warming" nor is there any human caused "Climate Change" nor are the seas rising, the Pope has aligned himself with environmental wackos, left wing lunatics, and other Marxist totalitarians who are behind this fraud and hoax. Too bad francis is so hostile to free market capitalism, economic growth, and the lifting of incomes world wide. I guess he prefers the poverty and dependence of the socialist state. The Pope's a dope!
Jeb, Marco, are you listening?
6
Are you kidding? There's no profit in it. They only listen to those who contribute to their war chests and will do or say whatever their donors want them to say.
1
"All is not lost," and these are not lost words for a generation that hears much about hopeless entropy, random violence, purposeless materiality. This pope reopens cosmology for religions, and teleology - not in the sense of a delusional designer out there - but a teleology inherent within emergent material processes that has given rise to the Earth community. Here is an integral ecology that reaches out to those in need.
Nations and businesses must take the Pope's encyclical seriously. However, so must individuals. We must each reflect on what we could do to positively affect climate change. For me, two things came to my mind: do a better job of recycling and not allow my car to idle. Sounds small but if everyone were to do minor things like this, it would make a huge difference.
So, I guess the NYT will publish every word spoken by Republicans who will forcibly spew anything but the thruth. I have more faith in the Pope than politicians, especially those who deny everything.
1
Agreed that we need to address this problem immediately, however it is ironic that this message is coming from the religious end of the spectrum that has forever advocated that humans go forth and multiply and subjugate the earth. How about a little recognition of their own roll in creating the mess.
2
I would love to think that the encyclical will have a significant effect. Unfortunately, at least in the United States, consumerism is a religion unto itself, and a much more powerful one than catholicism. Houses and cars keep getting bigger and roads more crowded, and any random conversation is almost infinitely more likely to be about what a great deal someone got on an unnecessary product than on whether the earth can sustain us.
2
Maybe the Pope will endorse contraception and small families as a way to reduce the impact we humans have on our planet.
6
Too bad there are few Catholics in India and China.
4
This is a truly good man who may make an epic shift on environmental policies and understanding. His background in science and his clear-sighted vision is calling out the greedy corporatists and politicians who try to mask their destruction of the earth. The U.S. conference of bishops just set their agenda, and no surprise, they are most concerned with attacking the reproductive rights of women, the fake "religious freedom" GOP controversy, and obsessed with abortion. Poverty was not part of their agenda, nor were any of the values of Jesus Christ as expressed in the Sermon on the Mount.
I will not go back to the Church anytime soon given the right-wing Republican agenda of the American bishops and their misogyny, but Pope Francis gives me hope that the Church at large is oriented with true values.
I will not go back to the Church anytime soon given the right-wing Republican agenda of the American bishops and their misogyny, but Pope Francis gives me hope that the Church at large is oriented with true values.
1
Admiration for a man who has taken on economic inequality and acknowledged the danger posed to the planet by corporate greed must be awarded.
Francis is no novice when it comes to science and has an education that includes a degree in chemistry. His response to political and conservative detractors is witheringly appropriate as he decries the avarice that defies common sense and denies the disaster predicted by some 97 % of the global scientific community.
At the same time, and while his loyalty to Catholicism is clearly a motivating factor , it is most disappointing that Francis continues to defend the medieval dogma regarding reproductive health choice and the enslavement of women and their families , also held in thrall , by the belief that endless child bearing is mandated by God.
There is absolutely no question that overpopulation contributes greatly to the problems presented by climate change. India and China particularly. are responsible through the use of coal fired industry and energy supply. A glance at the streets of Beijing will erase any doubts on that score.
Again, the Pope is to be applauded for his stance on both common human need and the global environment. Conversely , Francis religious' beliefs have blinded him and prevented him from acknowledging that which is as obvious as the nose on his face.
Women alone are tasked with the perpetuation of the race. To deny them a seat at the table is to ignore the problem at hand.
A mixed blessing indeed.
Francis is no novice when it comes to science and has an education that includes a degree in chemistry. His response to political and conservative detractors is witheringly appropriate as he decries the avarice that defies common sense and denies the disaster predicted by some 97 % of the global scientific community.
At the same time, and while his loyalty to Catholicism is clearly a motivating factor , it is most disappointing that Francis continues to defend the medieval dogma regarding reproductive health choice and the enslavement of women and their families , also held in thrall , by the belief that endless child bearing is mandated by God.
There is absolutely no question that overpopulation contributes greatly to the problems presented by climate change. India and China particularly. are responsible through the use of coal fired industry and energy supply. A glance at the streets of Beijing will erase any doubts on that score.
Again, the Pope is to be applauded for his stance on both common human need and the global environment. Conversely , Francis religious' beliefs have blinded him and prevented him from acknowledging that which is as obvious as the nose on his face.
Women alone are tasked with the perpetuation of the race. To deny them a seat at the table is to ignore the problem at hand.
A mixed blessing indeed.
1
This is what happens when you pick a Pope from a non-NATO nation. He'd go on attacking big oil, military industrial complex and big banks. Let's hope at the next NATO gathering they pick a more malleable Pope instead of just singing We Are The World. My shares in Lockheed Martin and Exxon aren't going up fast enough.
This is all sarcasm in case people didn't pick it up. It is nice to have a Pope not beholden to big interest groups in NATO and can actually do what's right for his people.
This is all sarcasm in case people didn't pick it up. It is nice to have a Pope not beholden to big interest groups in NATO and can actually do what's right for his people.
1
Pope Francis acknowledges reality, for the most part, and I applaud that. Now if he would only acknowledge the reality that overpopulation is a key cause of climate change and other harms to the earth, and that reducing population growth is a necessary part of the solution, that might actually help to address the problem. But he won't do so, as this would contradict the papal interpretation of the Bible that birth control is not allowed, and preaching abstinence to address overpopulation would not be likely to go over very well.
1
Best. Pope. Ever.
3
So what reporter is going to ask uber Catholic John Boehner what he intends to do to follow the dictates of his avowed religious leader? Specifically, find out about that GOP law suit against the new EPA rules on carbon pollution and ask why he is trying to undermine the Pope when he has the backing of 98% of the climate scientists, ergo he did ask the scientists. Try to catch the Speaker when he is sober so he won't just blubber and blame Obamacare or Benghazi!!!.
2
I'm not a Catholic but I agree with everything Pope Francis has said in his Encyclical, except for his comments on abortion. Men have no business in the affairs of women's and girls' reproductive rights. Also, as an author, it irks me when people don't capitalize Earth, our planet. Twice in this article, Earth is written as "earth." Earth is the Proper Name of our planet and should be capitalize. Although the Bible always shows Earth in lower case, we must correctly write the name of our planet as Earth.
2
I nominate the Pope for sainthood. Oh, I know, ..., he is still alive, but let's make an execption.
I'm independent that has visited the Democrats and Republicans meetings. There are still many members and leaders living in the state of denial, ignoring evidence provided by the NASA that the sea level is rising 3.7mm per year. Pope Francis reflections and document should be considered seriously. Sustainability is no longer a word to be searched in a dictionary, but a commitment we need to embrace in our daily actions as everything in this world is connected. I want that our congress to take ownership in helping to protect the environment.
Speaking as an atheist, it is encouraging to hear a prominent religious leader take a public stand about an issue such as climate change that impacts every living thing on our planet and its survival. Too often such leaders stand by and watch silently. Thank you Pope Francis.
3
So glad the Pope refused to let himself be distracted by the scandals of priests & high priests debauching so many young boys in order to boldly champion this fashionable topic.
Take care of our planet, care for the less fortunate, put people before profits, give people meaningful work... is this guy for real... Yes he is.
1
Why isn't there more commentary by the Press on the sophistry
in the Pope's environmental views? Hello? Birth control? Duh?
More people, more carbon footprint.
His environmental views are well-founded. Without a decrease in world population, we cannot achieve some sort of environmental reform. Global hunger and poverty is rampant in countries without birth control.
Catholic teaching is not in line with environmental reform as long as birth control is off the table.
in the Pope's environmental views? Hello? Birth control? Duh?
More people, more carbon footprint.
His environmental views are well-founded. Without a decrease in world population, we cannot achieve some sort of environmental reform. Global hunger and poverty is rampant in countries without birth control.
Catholic teaching is not in line with environmental reform as long as birth control is off the table.
5
Right, Pope. Technology is bad. We need to back to the Middle Ages where people died on a massive scale from disease, pestilence and religious wars. Capitalism is evil, and the Catholic church has all the answers. Just pray.
1
i don't spoze you'd care to explain jist where in the encyclical it says anything like that? Or where in history you got the notion that capitalism came along without breaking an awful lot of human eggs?
...You are missing the point..!!
Yes, that is exactly what Pope Francis thinks. Exactly.
You don't have to be Hindu to appreciate and learn from the teachings and life of Ghandi. You don't have to be Buddhist to appreciate and learn from Buddhist teachings. You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate and learn from Pope Francis. I'm not Christian and I admire this man so much and he reminds me that my life is better lived when I don't just live it for myself.
6
I want to join with all of my right thinking Republican friends and express my outrage at this intrusion of religion into politics. And what is a foreigner doing intruding himself into our domestic affairs, anyway. This should be a crime. God knows all of this just ain't right. Freedom!!
1
While I will join with all my progressive friends in embracing Pope Francis and all that he stands for. It is wonderful to see they can finally respect the beliefs of a deeply religious person. Perhaps now they will finally stop referring to him in the pejorative.
2
"Intrusion of religion into politics"? You may want to look in the collective mirror regarding the behavior of many of your "right thinking" Republican friends. Certain morons of the GOP serve as shining examples with their willful disrespect to the separation of church and state.
If you look at actual American history, you'll find that what you probably think of as progressives have respected the views of deeply religious people from Roger Williams and Anne Hathaway up through today.
There's rather a long list, and there's some guy named "King," on it.
There's rather a long list, and there's some guy named "King," on it.
I do not care what an ORGANIZED RELIGION leader says about politics. Who gave them the power to be spokesmen (and they are men) for OUR social order? Of course he's right about climate change. That does not absolve organized religion that denies science and wants us to live by books, written by men for men, that make no logical sense. Many MEN have interpreted these books to attempt to suppress woman. It must stop NOW.
2
When Pope Francis speaks, people the world over listen. He has the clout of speaking about what it means to live the faith in modern times and of a person from a part of the world where fighting for social justice is a major historical theme. Pope Francis is the best messenger for a lesson we all need to heed.
Well. actually all is lost. Currently at 400 plus parts per million of CO2, we have unknowingly already baked in over 3 degrees Celsius of temperature rise by 2100. Also, we have insured the melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice and guaranteeing 15 meters of sea level rise by 2150. That is 50 feet.
The Pope is correct in his analysis except for the hope aspect.
The Pope is correct in his analysis except for the hope aspect.
3
"The pope blamed environmental destruction on apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology, and political shortsightedness. " .. nailed it !
2
Jeb Bush essentially told the Pope to mind his own business.
The Pope wading into this fray is certainly a 'game changer'.
The Pope wading into this fray is certainly a 'game changer'.
1
The Pope is just another global environmental vandal. He has an agenda that will destroy the environment just as surely as global warming. That is out of control human over-population.
4
"You can't save the environment in the face of population GROWTH. You just can't."
YouTube video of the late Professor Emeritus in Nuclear Physics, Albert Bartlett (2008)
YouTube video of the late Professor Emeritus in Nuclear Physics, Albert Bartlett (2008)
This is leadership.
-an athiest
-an athiest
8
Shockingly sad that a pope could be this naive and nakedly politically leftist. We used to look to mainstream religion for the wisdom of the ages. Now, so many of our religious leaders have bought into these dopey memes coming from the left, where do we turn for level headed direction? Scary times indeed.
2
So, assuming you, JP, are a Christian taking offense at the words of this leader of a Christian faith, what do you think Jesus's response to the world we have created would be? More of the same pollution, poverty, wealth accumulating in the hands of the few to the detriment of a wide swath of God's children? What would Jesus Christ do? Forget the Old Testament, tell me what the Jesus who embraced the poor, the marginalized would do about today?
Maybe Pope Francis's warning is the last chance we get before it becomes irreversible. Maybe God is running out of patience with man's greed and refusal to admit and remedy the damage he has brought to the earth. Maybe man is not meant to survive the pollution he caused. Maybe the devil is having too much success with his greedy advocates and their political henchmen.
2
Supporters of Pope Francis' position on the environment should not be too quick to use it as a sword to cut their opponents, particularly republicans, because that sword cuts both ways.
Pope Francis has made it clear that respecting the planet includes respecting all its life, including embryos, the unborn and those incapable of protecting themselves*:
"It is troubling that, when certain ecological movements defend the integrity of the environment, rightly demanding that certain limits be set on scientific research, they sometimes fail to apply those same principles to human life. There is a tendency to justify transgressing all boundaries when experimentation is carried out on living human embryos. We forget that the inalienable worth of a human person transcends his or her degree of development. . . . A technology severed from ethics will not easily be able, by itself, to limit its own power."
*****
*http://www.nationalreview.com/article/419933/parsing-popes-ecology-encyc...
Pope Francis has made it clear that respecting the planet includes respecting all its life, including embryos, the unborn and those incapable of protecting themselves*:
"It is troubling that, when certain ecological movements defend the integrity of the environment, rightly demanding that certain limits be set on scientific research, they sometimes fail to apply those same principles to human life. There is a tendency to justify transgressing all boundaries when experimentation is carried out on living human embryos. We forget that the inalienable worth of a human person transcends his or her degree of development. . . . A technology severed from ethics will not easily be able, by itself, to limit its own power."
*****
*http://www.nationalreview.com/article/419933/parsing-popes-ecology-encyc...
3
Do not confuse this appreciation for the sanctity of life with the desires of males to control.
21
Carolyn:
What a bizarre response. It is you who sees male dominance in every act. Never far behind these charges hovers victimhood.
Some of us don't see ourselves as victims or males as oppressors, thank you. We can relish the beauty in the pope's position on life without having to turn it into a war on someone with a predictably aggrieved victim. And even while supporting abortion. Imagine that!
What a bizarre response. It is you who sees male dominance in every act. Never far behind these charges hovers victimhood.
Some of us don't see ourselves as victims or males as oppressors, thank you. We can relish the beauty in the pope's position on life without having to turn it into a war on someone with a predictably aggrieved victim. And even while supporting abortion. Imagine that!
4
Not all males are oppressors. And yes, there are billions of women who are victims of male oppression. Without the support of men for women instead of oppression, the earth stands much less of a chance to heal. And yes I am pro choice.
1
If the Pope, a conservative religious leader of a conservative religion can call for action on climate change. Why can't the GOP come to their senses on this issue which impacts all our lives.
7
The greatest irony with our climate-change denying politicians is that they agree with him when they think about a God no one has ever seen, but disagree with him when it comes to a crisis one can see clearly all over the world as ocean levels rise.
8
I was born Hindu, and am an atheist by choice - but I love Pope Francis! I totally agree with him regarding the environment, and his description of what technology and capitalism are doing to the world, and especially to poor people. His call for introspection and reform are indeed very timely. His interpretation of the words in the Bible are absolutely on the mark, and totally in keeping with the spirit of Christ and humanity. We are indeed fortunate that at a time when religious fervor is bringing out the worst in human nature, we have a leader of the Christian world who is truly enlightened. Kudos to the Pope!
10
One can only hope that the Pope will succeed where we scientists have failed: to convince the world that this is indeed our biggest problem and its very much a collective problem and one that we must urgently address.
Pope Francis is truly a great man - perhaps the force of his spirit and personality will have some effect.
Pope Francis is truly a great man - perhaps the force of his spirit and personality will have some effect.
7
Scientists haven't failed. The rest of the world recognizes this problem, only a percentage of the U.S. population denies this is happening and those are the same people who still think trickle down economics will work.
Says the man, who flies often (carbon footprint) in the pope-jet and takes the pope-chopper over to his $ 100 million summer palace, the Castel Gandolfo. Says the man, whose new Vatican Finance Czar, Cardinal Pell, just wasted $ 500 million setting up his new Vatican ministry, much of which was spent on expensive flights (carbon footprint). Wonder what the carbon footprint is for all the cardinals and bishops who are constantly flying in and out and who live in mansions and nice digs in their respective countries?
1
He has been cracking down on excess. Remember the German (bishop?) who resigned after a scandal on the cost of his luxurious digs?
Of course, your snark applies to pretty much every world political leader, senior military officer and corporate executive, as well as those born to wealth and successful speculators, etc., etc.
Amen to that Pope Francis...
10
The Noble Peace Prize ought to be granted to this guy forthwith.
18
I believe Obama should give the pope his Nobel, in addition.
1
The article missed the section of the encyclical on faith and morals that deals with gays, lesbians, transgender persons in which he restates the church's position against recognizing their human rights. Suggest reading the text of the encyclical and searching for the words "masculinity" and "femininity."
1
A delightful and surprisingly relevant action by the pope.
I would be wonderful if he would also appeal for global population control, since overpopulation directly contributes to global warming.
Yesterday's paper cited findings from NASA that the major aquifers of the earth are being depleted. The predicted "population bomb" now becoming visible.
It is time that the church departed from its Medievil teachings.....
I would be wonderful if he would also appeal for global population control, since overpopulation directly contributes to global warming.
Yesterday's paper cited findings from NASA that the major aquifers of the earth are being depleted. The predicted "population bomb" now becoming visible.
It is time that the church departed from its Medievil teachings.....
11
He has to be very careful there. First, and most importantly, active human population growth is against Church teachings. He cannot simply overturn theology in a paper, because the foundations run so deeply. However, he can support limiting human population growth in certain ways.
Also, nearly all of the human population growth is happening in areas with few Christians. If the Pope went directly after human population growth it would be met with conspiratorial backlash in those areas. It is clear the Pope wants his message to transcend the world's global Catholics - “to address every person living on this planet".
Also, nearly all of the human population growth is happening in areas with few Christians. If the Pope went directly after human population growth it would be met with conspiratorial backlash in those areas. It is clear the Pope wants his message to transcend the world's global Catholics - “to address every person living on this planet".
Tasty food for thought - maybe we can begin to take smaller bites of the Edenic apple.
4
It's already been reported in London that Jeb! has opened his big mouth about the Pope's paper, and stuck his foot squarely in it. He could have kept quiet, but instead it's only taken a few days for him to provide us with solid evidence that the Bush doesn't fall far from the tree. Thank the Pope's Boss.
10
If we accept the suggestions of religious leaders, we can not cherry pick what we like. I wonder if those embracing the Pope's suggestions on the climate are also now embracing the anti-choice movement.
We separate Church and State for a very good reason. From a secular stance, the Pope is just one man with one opinion; he is not the basis for a government (except of Vatican City). One does not have to disagree with him to be wary of giving this encyclical much weight in decisions affecting the sovereignty of the USA.
We separate Church and State for a very good reason. From a secular stance, the Pope is just one man with one opinion; he is not the basis for a government (except of Vatican City). One does not have to disagree with him to be wary of giving this encyclical much weight in decisions affecting the sovereignty of the USA.
For those who put greenbacks at the center of the universe, this Papal letter will have no influence at all. For many today, capitalism has become a religion, not just an economic system – and like all faith based religions, do not expect the faithful to be moved by any appeal by the Pope. Too bad.
28
The good news is that capitalism has never reached the level of religious devotion of other movements like communism. Capitalism is more pragmatic and flexible and does not really have holy books (like Marxism does). Greed and the lust for power are human attributes that precede capitalism. Capitalism has done the best job of any human system in history of harnessing, directing, and controlling those impulses for the benefit of the many. Other systems have failed and in the process led to death and environmental destruction on a massive scale.
Whatever they may say, many millions of Americans follow the ideology of free market capitalism and their conservative politics far more religiously than they follow Christianity. Watch and see how many conservative Catholics, asked to choose, will choose Fox News over Francis with little hesitation. Then you'll know whose truths are more real and urgent to them.
A couple of years ago, Robert Putnam and David Campbell published American Grace, a quite remarkable study of American religion. They found that over the past few decades, America has become a country where religious outlook and politics are far more tightly aligned, AND that it is the politics driving change in religious outlook, not vice versa. (It goes both ways: folks on the left are far more likely to be secular now, too.)
To paraphrase Putnam, "I couldn't believe that people were changing their views about eternal salvation based on what they thought of Bill Clinton. But they were."
A couple of years ago, Robert Putnam and David Campbell published American Grace, a quite remarkable study of American religion. They found that over the past few decades, America has become a country where religious outlook and politics are far more tightly aligned, AND that it is the politics driving change in religious outlook, not vice versa. (It goes both ways: folks on the left are far more likely to be secular now, too.)
To paraphrase Putnam, "I couldn't believe that people were changing their views about eternal salvation based on what they thought of Bill Clinton. But they were."
Though I am not a Christian and don't agree with some of the churches stances, Pope Francis is one of my heroes. We are our 'brother's keeper". In the end, it's not what the world can do for us, but what we can do for the world. Wonder how some of our professed Christian politicians will react to this encyclical. This will be interesting to watch.
24
Jeb! Bush is a Catholic (convert), but most of the high profile American Christian preachers are not Catholics and there is a deep strain of anti-Catholicism in many of those sects.
1
“Critics will say the church can’t teach policy, the church can’t teach politics. And Francis is saying, ‘No, these things are at the core of the church’s teaching.’”
Pope Francis has decided it's time for the world to see an activist pontiff, one that moves beyond the abstract into the very practical application of theological teachings.
It's high time somebody did, and who other than the Pope, with all the moral and spiritual authority he embodies? It's clear that all the GOP candidates -- most of whom are beholden to the energy industries who pay for their campaigns--find themselves in a quandary about how to respond. The Pope's courageous encyclical challenges the very essence of the relationship between man, God, and earth.
Scripture repeatedly shows that Christ was far more interested in how man applied His teachings about personal relationships, compassion, and the husbanding of resources. What the Pope is saying is rankling the GOP because it highlights the hypocrisy of those who use religion as a cudgel on sexual issues, all the while dodging the totality of God's teachings on their duty to keep the environment safe for both man and God's creatures.
This encyclical also puts the blame squarely where it belongs on most science deniers: it's love of money and profits that's driving the raping of our planet. We would do well to heed the Pope's warning because we're running out of time, as folks around the globe can plainly see.
Pope Francis has decided it's time for the world to see an activist pontiff, one that moves beyond the abstract into the very practical application of theological teachings.
It's high time somebody did, and who other than the Pope, with all the moral and spiritual authority he embodies? It's clear that all the GOP candidates -- most of whom are beholden to the energy industries who pay for their campaigns--find themselves in a quandary about how to respond. The Pope's courageous encyclical challenges the very essence of the relationship between man, God, and earth.
Scripture repeatedly shows that Christ was far more interested in how man applied His teachings about personal relationships, compassion, and the husbanding of resources. What the Pope is saying is rankling the GOP because it highlights the hypocrisy of those who use religion as a cudgel on sexual issues, all the while dodging the totality of God's teachings on their duty to keep the environment safe for both man and God's creatures.
This encyclical also puts the blame squarely where it belongs on most science deniers: it's love of money and profits that's driving the raping of our planet. We would do well to heed the Pope's warning because we're running out of time, as folks around the globe can plainly see.
40
There is something comical about watching the left use the pope to beat up on "science deniers". He could just as easily be used in that same context against those who condone abortion without limitations. Roe was, after all, decided before the advent of technology that has moved up viability and opened up the womb to viewing.
Perfect example of disproving the notion that science and religion is mutually exclusive. Pope Francis has become the catalyst to show how science and religion can solve a global and moral issue of our generation.
23
In fact, he's proven how religion and modern science are of a piece. Most current understandings of science are as much based on faith as any religion.
Pope Francis is the most incredible and wonderful man the Catholic Church has had, so that even Americans might start to strive mightily to each leave a smaller carbon footprint, wherever they can.
9
So you've known all 266 Popes and all the other millions of churchmen over the past 2000 years?
Looking at the encyclical in terms of what Catholics could and should do to live the kind of simple life that has been a hallmark of this papacy, one sees the same glaring absence that is present in almost all international documents - the lack of a clear call to stop eating meat. Livestock production and meat eating contributes somewhere between 15-30% of the green house gases that are destroying the planet. It also is the cause of great animal suffering. How could a Pope named Francis ignore this? Think of what it would mean if the Vatican, every dioceses and bishop in the world, every Catholic school and university, evert Catholic hospital limited or eliminated meat serving. To not do so is to avoid doing the one thing that is within the reach of every Catholic that would make a personal contribution to ending poverty, preserving water and better feeding people. And if eliminating meat from our diets were combined with the recognition of the role that unwanted pregnancy and births play in contributing to poverty, scientifically verifiable facts - 220 million women who want family planning - not coerced by the west but want and need it - and if satisfied another 15-20 percent reduction in green house gases would occur. Great to go after capitalism and greed but don't forget ways ordinary people can reduce suffering.
17
What about the unborn in the womb? This horrific tragedy has taken over 50 million innocent lives and you put animal rights ahead of a living, breathing human being. I am glad Pope Francis mentioned this in his encyclical as this is most important. These babies deserve to live and are our future. God bless Pope Francis and he is a credit to the Catholic Church.
I agree - although I would opt for limiting over eliminating, first of all because the idea of becoming completely vegetarian is simply going to be too hard of a sell for most people, while lowering meat consumption seems rather doable. Catholics already have a no red meat on Fridays thing. It would be great if that could be expanded. Secondly, I think that limiting instead of eliminating is important because it is not actually very easy to get all of the nutrition you need if you do not eat meat - it is possible, I realized that (I used to be vegetarian, and was vegan for a bit too), but it is mainly possible because of large amounts of processed food products (soy products, for example) that are themselves bad for the environment (soy is taking its toll on the environment too) and because of supplementation. But many nutrients are not used by the body as efficiently in supplement form - we actually don't know for example how much of certain nutrients our body can process in supplemental form. Also, unless someone lives with access to good grocery stores with plenty of fruits, veggies, etc. (and many people don't) then eliminating meat altogether is just going to mean eating more processed foods. I know some vegetarians who basically live on processed foods. So I agree with the idea, I just think the all-or-nothingness of many animal rights activists and vegetarians/vegans isn't practical for most people, and can potentially turn people away from the cause.
1
The irony of the Pope embracing climate change is that the Catholic Church is responsible for one of the greatest causes of climate change and that is unlimited irresponsible population growth. Take California for example in 1971 the population was 16 million and today its 38 million you think that has anything to do with a shortage of water and air pollution? Of course it does. China avoided yearly famines by insisting on a one child policy but yet the Vatican insists on stopping contraception education etc. What hypocrisy!
32
Lawrence, you are one of the few commenters here that sees with clear eyes.
Oh, China is a model civilization? Don't discard this Pope's efforts because his predecessors were often mediocre. The planet is struggling and Francis is the first Pope to come out and address it.
I'm really sick and tired (in just 5', I'm impatient like that) of this deluge of "well, yeah, the recognition of antropogenic climate change and the evils of capitalism and all that is OK, but the guy is evil for not pushing for more birth control" Really? like the reason people have the number of kids they have is because the Pope doesn't alllow them to use condoms and the pill... People, wake up! every society known on Earth has been using one or other method of birth control since the beginning of times, all the pill gave us is a bit more convenience and reliability. Now if you believe the drought in California (main cause of the water shortage) is caused by population increase and the CCP and its compulsory one child policy caused the stabilization of China's population (something already noted by Adam Smith in the XVIIIth century) you need to read a bit more about how the world works...
This Pope is on the right track, but needs to immediately take the next step and jettison the Church's ridiculous ban on contraception, which significantly contributes to overpopulation in many of the poorest countries in the world, leading to further degradation of the environment.
71
Every MAN'S pope. Too bad he and his buddies who run the catholic church deny over one-half the world's population the right to choose what they do with their own bodies. The article says, "Many conservatives will be pleased, however, because Francis also included a strong criticism of abortion while also belittling the argument that population control represented a solution to limited resources and poverty." Organized religion has attempted to suppress women but women MUST control over half the world's politics for anything to change. Democratic thinking women and men sharing power is the only logical social model for sustainability. The pope is just a man - no different than any other person on the planet because we all came from exactly the same place, alone, and we will go back to exactly the same place, alone, and not one of us including the pope knows where that is. Keep religion out of politics.
4
And the silence of most of our mass media is deafening. How fortunate for them that they have the Charleston hate crime as an excuse.
11
What silence? They've been talking about this even before it was released.
If find this interesting. Jeb Bush said he hadn't yet seen the report from the Pope on climate change, but made it clear he disagrees with the Pope and won't heed any of his advice on the issue. Who would you believe an American politician who's family is in big oil or the Pope? I am not Catholic, but have to admire Pope Francis for his stand on global warming.
11
More likely, Jeb Bush meant he won't tank the economy based on environmentalism.
1
...because after all, "the economy," is far, far more important than people, let alone clean air and water and land.
It's not an either/or. We can have a strong economy and a clean planet. Jeb's problem is that he and his family are owned by the people who profit from destroying the planet and he doesn't have the courage to bite the hand that feeds him. We will see how devout a Catholic he really is in the coming weeks. My guess is, not very devout at all.
2
The Catholic Church has come a long way since Galileo and Pope Urban VIII.
5
And still, not far enough.
On more than one occasion, Pope Francis has brought me to tears. He has shown remarkable kindness and leadership that I didn't realize was lacking until he came along. Forgiveness, compassion, unconditional love are seldom put to the test. This Pope is the real deal.
17
When a presidential candidate voluntarily calls himself/herself a Christian, we, the voting electorate, can measure the candidate using the self-proclaimed standard.
A Christian believes that he/she has fallen short of perfection but can receive grace by receiving Christ and therefore access the perfect relationship with God. The Bible is the key text for all Christian denominations. In the very first book when God and man had a perfect relationship - God commanded man to work the Garden and take care of it (Genesis 2 v.15). This is BEFORE sin enters in Genesis 3.
How can Rubio, Walker, Santorum, Bush et al claim that they are Christians and then blithely ignore their Genesis mandate to care for the Earth by supporting continued abuse and pollution of the one planet we all share?
The Pope is well within his theological right to insist that the Catholic faithful adhere to the Genesis mandate to take care of the planet. For the Catholic subsection of presidential candidates to repudiate both their Pope and their holy text reveals that the true “god” of these candidates is now as always money. And Matthew 6v.24 bluntly informs the Christian candidates "…You cannot serve both God and money.”
Voters should hold politicians accountable to their belief systems and demand that the ones who claim that they are Christian explain how exactly they are fulfilling their Genesis mandate given their public support of heavy polluters such as coal, oil, etc.
A Christian believes that he/she has fallen short of perfection but can receive grace by receiving Christ and therefore access the perfect relationship with God. The Bible is the key text for all Christian denominations. In the very first book when God and man had a perfect relationship - God commanded man to work the Garden and take care of it (Genesis 2 v.15). This is BEFORE sin enters in Genesis 3.
How can Rubio, Walker, Santorum, Bush et al claim that they are Christians and then blithely ignore their Genesis mandate to care for the Earth by supporting continued abuse and pollution of the one planet we all share?
The Pope is well within his theological right to insist that the Catholic faithful adhere to the Genesis mandate to take care of the planet. For the Catholic subsection of presidential candidates to repudiate both their Pope and their holy text reveals that the true “god” of these candidates is now as always money. And Matthew 6v.24 bluntly informs the Christian candidates "…You cannot serve both God and money.”
Voters should hold politicians accountable to their belief systems and demand that the ones who claim that they are Christian explain how exactly they are fulfilling their Genesis mandate given their public support of heavy polluters such as coal, oil, etc.
10
Certainly ethics plays a role in climate change--the greed of corporations that fail to observe laws in place to protect the environment because observance would cut into profits. So Pope Francis has every right to address this issue. He is a scientists, so any argument that he's not qualified to write on the issue of climate change is ludicrous.
We may be hurtling towards extinction of many species of birds---the numbers of passerine migrants has plummeted in the last ten years. We may be closer to a tipping point with migrants than we think--where there won't be enough left to breed. Birding this spring was heartbreaking. Where we would normally see 10 to 20 individuals of at least 30 species of migrant warblers, this spring we would see one or two individual warblers of six or seven species. Thanks to Pope Francis for speaking out while there is still time to recover.
We may be hurtling towards extinction of many species of birds---the numbers of passerine migrants has plummeted in the last ten years. We may be closer to a tipping point with migrants than we think--where there won't be enough left to breed. Birding this spring was heartbreaking. Where we would normally see 10 to 20 individuals of at least 30 species of migrant warblers, this spring we would see one or two individual warblers of six or seven species. Thanks to Pope Francis for speaking out while there is still time to recover.
14
This pope rocks! Is he edging towards family planning?
7
I guess we will soon see which Catholic candidates are indeed the religious faithful and who are the political hacks.
8
Why should we care what this man says? Where does he get his expertise or authority? From the invisible man in the sky?
His attack on capitalism is senseless. Where does he think the money will come to help the poor? Gates spends hundreds of millions of dollars relieving suffering in Africa. It didn't come from god.
His attack on capitalism is senseless. Where does he think the money will come to help the poor? Gates spends hundreds of millions of dollars relieving suffering in Africa. It didn't come from god.
4
Sounds like a rich man with oil stocks.
Everything comes from God
The money comes from Microsoft's monopolistic, anti-competitive, anti-free market "business" practices. It comes from sheltering money offshore. It comes from scores of dubious tax deductions it receives from purchased politicians. And those tax deductions are subsidized by the American people. THAT'S how capitalism works in this country.
1
I guess this 'call for action' to reverse the noxious effects of climate change, even if the source is religious, is worth of our full support. The 'willful' ignorance displayed by republicans, especially when in control of Congress, is highly toxic, and deleterious to 'Mother Earth' and certainly to life as we know it. It is irresponsible. One way to remedy the harm of these charlatans in power is to disempower them by voting them out. People out there, wake up and speak up, it is our habitat that is being destroyed by the greatest 'evil' we know, Greed!
8
As a "pro-choice" feminist who hates abortion (I regard it as a sometimes-necessary evil), and a strong environmentalist, and a committed United United Methodist Christian with deep Roman Catholic sensibilities, I cannot say how thrilled I am with this report. I will definitely read the encyclical and pray that persons of all religious traditions and of none will take heed of its warnings and take heart in its encouragement. Francis is absolutely correct in linking climate change to human activity, in leveling a critique of excessive consumerism, and of calling us First-Worlders out on our desire for comfort at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. Long live Francis!!
34
Best Pope Ever.
16
Solar Panels and the new Teslo battery is cheaper than fossil fuels and nuclear. It will keep you running when the grid goes down. It is libertarian and progressive. It is clean and will create jobs. And it is cheaper.
16
His All Holiness Ecumencial Patriach Bartholomew has made the environment his cause for many years.
https://www.patriarchate.org/-/message-by-his-all-holiness-ecumenical-pa...
https://www.patriarchate.org/-/message-by-his-all-holiness-ecumenical-pa...
5
With every situation or predicament, there is a tipping point. There are countless examples throughout history where civilizations disappeared because of the environment. Years ago, there were places available for displaced people to find new refuge in an undeveloped world. Our world today cannot absorb millions as they are displaced by climate or strife, but that is exactly what we will be facing. Life requires all of our basic needs to be in place. Actions have consequences and in this case inaction will have its consequences too. In all of our brashness and technological prowess, both rich and poor still need clean air and clean water to survive. This is a situation that we clearly all are in together. We still have a choice now to either be winners or losers. I am glad the Pope has made this a talking point and hope that governments, corporations and citizens of the world will consider the destiny of this beautiful planet.
15
It's a welcome change in direction, reminiscent of the John XXIII era. A departure from consistently supporting creepy politics favoring the rich over the rest and a long line of murderous thugs in Central and South America.
A Pope willing to give up his slippers is indeed a rare event.
A Pope willing to give up his slippers is indeed a rare event.
14
Oh.Oh. I wonder what all my white, Catholic, Republican neighbors are going to do now since they revere a party that is the anti-regulation, climate deniers, anti-science, and totally unenlightened party.
This I got to see.
This I got to see.
38
I'm sure they've become very supple in maintaining their antiquated beliefs in the very face of undeniable proof they are wrong.
I've got family members who are far right, two of them are in the religious life. I'm curious to know how this will go over. Most of them consider themselves Catholic first and Republican second.
When you see it, you will wish you hadn't looked.
Yay for Pope Francis!! Finally the church has confirmed the long-held belief that humans can harm the environment! It will be interesting to see how some conservative GOP candidates react to this papal encyclical. I encourage everyone to read it, as Pope Francis is very eloquent in his championing of the environment and how we as humans ought to respect it.
16
What ever will the GOP do now. They love fosile fuel, especially coal. They love religion and hate common sense and science. Now the Pope has put a line in the sand. The human race and their home or short term money for big business. Not much of a choice for smart people!
42
Obama has been nothing but a mixed bag on the environment. Saving the planet involves far more than just being somewhat better than the Republicans, which is about all you can say for Obama and the Democrats generally.
The GOP has one god: uncompetitive market capitalism to perpetuate the current cultural and economic winners and install world corporate feudalism. Religion for them is a tool to be used toward that means. That's how we got supply-side Jesus. When religion(s) doesn't serve that god, the GOP will deny the religion.
1
You're in good company, ReaganAnd30. Sixteen years ago, Dr. Harvey Cox, Harvard professor of Divinity, [ http://hds.harvard.edu/people/harvey-g-cox ] wrote an excellent essay on “The Market as God.” http://www.theatlantic.com/past/issues/99mar/marketgod.htm
More recently (2003), graphic artist Don Simpson created a short, wise, faithful exposition of the “Supply Side Jesus” phenomenon: http://www.beliefnet.com/News/2003/09/The-Gospel-Of-Supply-Side-Jesus.aspx
The second is easier, but both are worthwhile.
[10:13 am PDT]
More recently (2003), graphic artist Don Simpson created a short, wise, faithful exposition of the “Supply Side Jesus” phenomenon: http://www.beliefnet.com/News/2003/09/The-Gospel-Of-Supply-Side-Jesus.aspx
The second is easier, but both are worthwhile.
[10:13 am PDT]
This is a special Pope with remarkable powers of overview and insurance insight. Is capitalism being attacked? Of course! It needs to be. It no longer has the answers society requires.
54
The bottom line is that climate change is above politics. This earth is all we have, it is our one and only home for now and always. It is our absolute moral duty to take care of it - ALL of it, oceans included - and also to ensure that not ONE more species is allowed to become extinct due to human behaviour. With all our knowledge, all of our technology, if we cannot do this, then we are truly a failure as a species. I am heartened that this Pope is such a visionary, if only our political leaders were equally able to speak with such clarity and without being encumbered by all the vested interests that have retarded progress on this issue. NOW is the time, we cannot afford to waste another minute debating this issue!
269
The pope doesn't need to run billion dollar campaigns to acquire a Congressional seat or the White House as a step on the road to endless personal wealth. In fact, he decries it.
2
You're correct Mark, but you're forgetting something. Those who like to pretend this is not the case, simply think that, after they ruin this planet, they will fly off somewhere else once there's some breakthrough that will allow the elite to live elsewhere, so the "We" you're talking about, means nothing to those who can contain the problem, because their greed is far greater. Ah,..exposing the elephant in the room of capitalism and economics. Overpopulation works beautifully for the elite, because it devalues salaries, as well as weakens powers to negotiate living wages, since workers can be easily replaced and you wonder why this "push" to continue overpopulation, under the guise of religion. It's called: Cheap labor and we know who's pushing so hard for it. The foot soldiers, serving their masters.
1
Here's George Monbiot:
http://www.monbiot.com/2015/06/17/channelling-the-joy/
"Who wants to see the living world destroyed? Who wants an end to birdsong, bees and coral reefs, the falcon’s stoop, the salmon’s leap? Who wants to see the soil stripped from the land, the sea rimed with rubbish?
"No one. And yet it happens. Seven billion of us allow fossil fuel companies to push shut the narrow atmospheric door through which humanity stepped. We permit industrial farming to tear away the soil, banish trees from the hills, engineer another silent spring. ... We watch mutely as a small fleet of monster fishing ships trashes the oceans.
"Why are the defenders of the living world so ineffective? It is partly, of course, that everyone is complicit; we have all been swept off our feet by the tide of hyperconsumption, our natural greed excited, corporate propaganda chiming with a will to believe that there is no cost. But perhaps environmentalism is also afflicted by a deeper failure: arising possibly from embarrassment or fear, a failure of emotional honesty."
"Or could [Pope Francis's] religion be a version of a much deeper and older love? Could a belief in God be a way of explaining and channelling the joy, the burst of love that nature sometimes provokes in us? "
"If the acknowledgement of love becomes the means ... how do we translate it into political change? ... it’s a better grounding for action than pretending that what really matters to us is the state of the economy."
http://www.monbiot.com/2015/06/17/channelling-the-joy/
"Who wants to see the living world destroyed? Who wants an end to birdsong, bees and coral reefs, the falcon’s stoop, the salmon’s leap? Who wants to see the soil stripped from the land, the sea rimed with rubbish?
"No one. And yet it happens. Seven billion of us allow fossil fuel companies to push shut the narrow atmospheric door through which humanity stepped. We permit industrial farming to tear away the soil, banish trees from the hills, engineer another silent spring. ... We watch mutely as a small fleet of monster fishing ships trashes the oceans.
"Why are the defenders of the living world so ineffective? It is partly, of course, that everyone is complicit; we have all been swept off our feet by the tide of hyperconsumption, our natural greed excited, corporate propaganda chiming with a will to believe that there is no cost. But perhaps environmentalism is also afflicted by a deeper failure: arising possibly from embarrassment or fear, a failure of emotional honesty."
"Or could [Pope Francis's] religion be a version of a much deeper and older love? Could a belief in God be a way of explaining and channelling the joy, the burst of love that nature sometimes provokes in us? "
"If the acknowledgement of love becomes the means ... how do we translate it into political change? ... it’s a better grounding for action than pretending that what really matters to us is the state of the economy."
20
Note to The Pope; if your current job doesn't work out for any reason, please consider jumping into the U. S. Presidential race...
149
From your lips to God's ears!
2
Better yet, make him lead singer of The Supremes and teach those five Opus Dei Catholics a new religion.
2
The GOP would probably claim he is a Muslim, would not sign Grover Norquist's no-tax-hike pledge and was born in Kenya and therefore ineligible anyway.
2
Pope Francis, Praise be to you. This is one inspired leader!
6
Gee Francis, you had me until I read "belittling the argument that population control represented a solution to limited resources and poverty." In all those scientists you talked to, no one mentioned the concept "density dependence"?
You are, at the core, no different from your predecessors or the good ol' boys in the Vatican. You haven't reformed anything. All style, no substance.
I cannot take anything you say on poverty or the environment seriously until you actually recognize that overpopulation is a real issue or that women in poverty can't support more than 1 or 2 children, if any.
But then again, these issues affect women, so not a real concern for the church. Particularly if it means fewer Catholics contributing to the coffers.
You are, at the core, no different from your predecessors or the good ol' boys in the Vatican. You haven't reformed anything. All style, no substance.
I cannot take anything you say on poverty or the environment seriously until you actually recognize that overpopulation is a real issue or that women in poverty can't support more than 1 or 2 children, if any.
But then again, these issues affect women, so not a real concern for the church. Particularly if it means fewer Catholics contributing to the coffers.
12
I think that's unfair of you.
The Catholic Church is 2000 years old-ish. It had baby steps with the Second Vatican Council. It is taking bigger steps now under Pope Francis. You cannot expect such an entrenched theocracy to turn around completely in a day, a month, or perhaps even 10 years.
I have no doubt that Pope Francis may have some personal thoughts and feelings about overpopulation's affect on the environment, but he is wise to know that The Church is not there yet. Give him time.
The Catholic Church is 2000 years old-ish. It had baby steps with the Second Vatican Council. It is taking bigger steps now under Pope Francis. You cannot expect such an entrenched theocracy to turn around completely in a day, a month, or perhaps even 10 years.
I have no doubt that Pope Francis may have some personal thoughts and feelings about overpopulation's affect on the environment, but he is wise to know that The Church is not there yet. Give him time.
An excellent point. There is the concept of carrying capacity.
In this upcoming election season i hope that the media will do its job and ask serious questions of the presidential candidates about whether they accept the conclusions of this Encyclical.
Political candidates are quick to proclaim their "faith" in God and media is just as quick to allow them to make meaningless speeches with no follow up questions. So now the leader of over one billion Catholic's world wide has proclaimed our theological duty to save the planet from human induced destruction. So let's now ask these candidates how they plan to express that faith with clear policies that reflect responsibility to God's creation.
Political candidates are quick to proclaim their "faith" in God and media is just as quick to allow them to make meaningless speeches with no follow up questions. So now the leader of over one billion Catholic's world wide has proclaimed our theological duty to save the planet from human induced destruction. So let's now ask these candidates how they plan to express that faith with clear policies that reflect responsibility to God's creation.
11
My pope continues to amaze and dazzle...a light not from fireworks and calls for fidelity to ancient proscriptions, but rather, the light of love, which is timeless and victorious.
18
Maybe it's time for the new Pope to change "be fruitful and multiply" command as well. Moralizing about greed is fine, but it's the competition between the world's religions and the resulting over-population that is using up the world's resources and changing the weather.
11
Fundamental truth cannot be changed, especially when your truth comes from the inspired word of God and to change it would be to reject your faith. Overpopulation is a myth but even if it isn't, what is morally correct. To kill others to save yourself or to Love everyone and after thousands of years maybe die together? One cannot justify evil. By killing other or preventing God's will you are commiting evil and only Love can ever be the answer, no matter the cost.
I especially like Pope Francis' notion of "human ecology". It is a new concept I have never heard of before and when explaining it pope Francis refers to human nature and what we need to do to respect our very nature as human beings. I encourage everyone to read the encyclical. It can be found online.
15
I have often thought that ecology and the environment were a likely common cause for both the political left (which has been singing this song since the 70's, often barely heard) and the conservative Christian movement (through the idea of stewardship). That the latter chose the apocolyptic view over the stewardship view was always surprising to me. The planet thanks you, Pope Francis, for bringing your ideas to the fore! You will influence many who would not otherwise have considered or held this view.
15
Detractors of this position within the church see it as "an attack on capitalism", as well as drawing science into moral consideration....and this is supposed to be a bad thing? Our world today has become immoral in its greed and disregard for anyone other than ourselves and our immediate gratification. While I am an atheist and have seen first had the harm that religion can do by splintering and separating people, I admire this church leader for truly speaking out on moral issues that affect us all. If more "religious" leaders curbed the elitism of their respective spiritual perspectives and took the path of this amazing humble man to use his international recognition for the good of all people, maybe the world can be a better place.
21
Yes, can you imagine any of those "prosperity preachers" saying the things this pope is saying?
Despite the rhetoric, this is not really a plea for addressing climate change. It is an anti-capitalist, anti-modernity polemic. It is not only murky on the science of climate change, but is quite wrong on the economics of the world, and the history of environmentalism.
As capitalist societies have gotten richer, there has been more attention to a cleaner environment, not less. Our air & water are much cleaner than a few decades ago. Are we less capitalistic now ? Instead of being pushed aside, hundreds of millions of the world's poor have been brought out of extreme poverty by the much maligned capitalist globalization. The very systems he criticizes have been responsible for that salutary effect.
Economic systems, closer to the one he seems to be espousing, have had some of the worst environmental records in the recent past. Simplistic narratives of an unrealistic, imagined world that the pope proposes is worse than useless. It is destructive to actual environment progress.
As capitalist societies have gotten richer, there has been more attention to a cleaner environment, not less. Our air & water are much cleaner than a few decades ago. Are we less capitalistic now ? Instead of being pushed aside, hundreds of millions of the world's poor have been brought out of extreme poverty by the much maligned capitalist globalization. The very systems he criticizes have been responsible for that salutary effect.
Economic systems, closer to the one he seems to be espousing, have had some of the worst environmental records in the recent past. Simplistic narratives of an unrealistic, imagined world that the pope proposes is worse than useless. It is destructive to actual environment progress.
6
I don't see "capitalists" practicing Capitalism. When profits are private and losses are socialized, it's not capitalism. When builders built buildings to last six years to rake tax breaks, this is not capitalist. When there is no risk involved in the business and raw manipulation of interest rates and money markets, it's not capitalism. Bankers are worse criminals than the guy robbing people at gun point in dark corners. There is a lot of corruption, wink-winks among compadres and the same greedy old boys networks working to enrich themselves at the expense of everyone else. This system, this plutocracy is destroying our ability to prosper in this planet. Capitalism has been dead for a long time.
3
Nothing could be further from the truth. In the late 1960's, near the peak of this country's manufacturing might, this country was an environmental mess. A river in Cleveland caught fire. Smog was unbearable. Lead was everywhere. If not for Rachel Carson, a bunch of hippies, and the creation of the EPA by Richard Nixon, our last sensible Republican President, things might have been even worse now.
There's no murkiness on the Pope's ideas about the science of climate change. he clearly accepts what 97 percent of scientists have concluded" AGW is true. Nor is there murkiness in the Pope's understanding of the "economics of the world": He gets it that we live in a global economy now, and for all the tyrannies that pick and choose which parts of capitalism they'll embrace, out-of-control capitalism dominates. Third, there is no murkiness in the Pope's grasp of the history of environmentalism for the simple reason that there was no need for environmentalism until the industrial age, which is part and parcel of the modern era and the rise of capitalism.
That the Pope sees unfettered capitalism as a huge part of the world-wide ecological disaster we face is not radical. It's the truth. As for me, the only criticism I have is that he didn't use this occasion to address another huge part of the world-wide ecological disaster: unchecked population growth.
That the Pope sees unfettered capitalism as a huge part of the world-wide ecological disaster we face is not radical. It's the truth. As for me, the only criticism I have is that he didn't use this occasion to address another huge part of the world-wide ecological disaster: unchecked population growth.
He's right, of course. But the problem, out-of-control capitalism, is systemic and not amenable to change.
Why? Because, greed, selfishness and dominance of the rich ruling class has become an ingrained part of the American culture -- and America IS the primary offender here.
And the media? The hand puppet of the rich? They're a major contributor in maintaining the status quo. Just witness the attention given the lunatic fringe in the Republican Party and the neo-conservatives running the Dems. The US media are just profit-seeking corporations locked into the same shallow culture.
Capitalist "morality" is nonexistent. Their bible is a one-liner -- maximize the rate of return on invested capital.
Why? Because, greed, selfishness and dominance of the rich ruling class has become an ingrained part of the American culture -- and America IS the primary offender here.
And the media? The hand puppet of the rich? They're a major contributor in maintaining the status quo. Just witness the attention given the lunatic fringe in the Republican Party and the neo-conservatives running the Dems. The US media are just profit-seeking corporations locked into the same shallow culture.
Capitalist "morality" is nonexistent. Their bible is a one-liner -- maximize the rate of return on invested capital.
99
Capitalism may be the problem, but is also the solution. There are fortunes to be made in clean energy; just consider Elon Musk.
Our government has been captured by corporate America, which is why it is working so poorly. The only way to take it back is to declare a war on corporations. Buy only what you truly need and buy it locally! Buy only from small companies that employ local people and pay local taxes. In the words of Grover Norquest, starve the beast.
2
Thus are all the Brooks Bros. shirts revealed to be stuffed with emptiness and vanity, greed and callousness. A priest from a near third-world nation, where brutality and totalitarianism was long woven into every sinew of government and business has drawn a line. And a man who seeks to be president can deny his own faith’s leader’s teachings because he “doesn’t take his” orders “from my church”.
Weep, America. Cry the Beloved Country: no mas!
No mas!
NO MAS!
Weep, America. Cry the Beloved Country: no mas!
No mas!
NO MAS!
24
As an atheist, I have generally found reason to disagree with the traditional teaching of the Popes on abortion, contraception etc. But for the first time, I agree with his every word. Why his it taken so long for the Catholic church to wade in to this debate on climate change when caring for the poor and underprivileged is 'at the core of the church's teaching'.
This encyclical removes the cover from those conservatives who've been using the catholic church as a mantle. Denier in Chief James Inhofe, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee famously said 'The arrogance of people to think that we, human beings, would be able to change what He is doing in the climate is to me outrageous'. How he plans to 'square ' his interpretation of God's wishes with those of the Pope will be intriguing. Meanwhile, Rick Santorum's message to the Pope, "leave science to the scientists" is plain duplicitous. Mr Santorum would be the first to slam the door in the face of the first scientist who opposed his views on this subject.
Yesterday, Pope Francis cracked the lid on Pandora's Box. When he speaks in front of a joint session of Congress in the fall, he'll fling it wide open. I for one can't wait.
This encyclical removes the cover from those conservatives who've been using the catholic church as a mantle. Denier in Chief James Inhofe, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee famously said 'The arrogance of people to think that we, human beings, would be able to change what He is doing in the climate is to me outrageous'. How he plans to 'square ' his interpretation of God's wishes with those of the Pope will be intriguing. Meanwhile, Rick Santorum's message to the Pope, "leave science to the scientists" is plain duplicitous. Mr Santorum would be the first to slam the door in the face of the first scientist who opposed his views on this subject.
Yesterday, Pope Francis cracked the lid on Pandora's Box. When he speaks in front of a joint session of Congress in the fall, he'll fling it wide open. I for one can't wait.
244
Pope Francis' encyclical actually does leave the science to the scientists, as demanded by the pathological deniers because he had many climate scientists participate in researching and writing the new document; so St. Santorum can rest easily and choose to remain Catholic and follow the Pope in matters of faith or be an apostate. I hope Pope personally calls out him and the whole "head in sand" crowd personally by name.....Is the "Axis of Evil" logo available again?..... and asks them to leave since they are declared enemies of the church now. Now that might even make me consider being a Catholic again if flaming hypocrites aren't allowed.
1
I believe this Pope was a chemist….so he is actually a scientist.
In general I agree with your sentiments on the encyclical though not on atheism. However, unless I'm misreading your comment you're seriously misreading how religion works as an ideological tool within the GOP. Their base is much more evangelical than Roman Catholic (Most surveys show the Democrats hold about 40 percent of the Catholic vote, though less among white suburbanites). Sen. Inhofe is from Bible Belt Oklahoma where some evangelicals don't even consider Catholics as Christian and have a deeply suspicious view of the Papacy. Inhofe has no worries among his base in ignoring Pope Francis.
2
This encyclical is a call to take care of the Earth, our home on which we all depend, and to take care of ALL who live on it.
To do this, successfully, some must consume less, some more, and all must consume within the Planet’s ability to provide for those alive now and to provide for those who will live in the future—all the while protecting the natural beauty and diversity of the Earth—our collective home.
Only those humans devoted to mindless consumption and those humans who have given themselves over to avarice could argue against such a call.
The debate and reaction to this encyclical will allow us all to see clearly who cares for who and for what.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
To do this, successfully, some must consume less, some more, and all must consume within the Planet’s ability to provide for those alive now and to provide for those who will live in the future—all the while protecting the natural beauty and diversity of the Earth—our collective home.
Only those humans devoted to mindless consumption and those humans who have given themselves over to avarice could argue against such a call.
The debate and reaction to this encyclical will allow us all to see clearly who cares for who and for what.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
52
To "till and to keep" is not the best translation of the Genesis description of the human role in Creation. "To serve and to guard," a more pointed charge, is better. Human beings are meant to exercise "dominion" in imitation of the way God does it: By fostering the mutual thriving of all species together. Pope Francis is to be commended for moral leadership in this. Hopefully it will help turn the tide.
74
From the article: "he chastises those who cite Genesis as evidence that man has 'dominion' over earth and therefore an unlimited right to its resources."
Pope Francis's encyclical has enormous historical importance. In 1967, the historian Lynn White published a famous paper titled "The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis" in Science, the flagship journal of the American scientific establishment. It's considered a founding document of modern Environmentalism. White's paper traced the cause of the accelerating degradation of the Earth's natural systems, which many in the developed world were then becoming aware of, to the belief in 'dominion' that Pope Francis cited in his Encyclical.
Now the Pope has acknowledged that "incorrect interpretations" of the founding document of his faith have justified the destruction of nature. Millions of his followers will be jarred out of their complacency, and recognize that material prosperity is not a God-given right, but that its full costs must be paid.
Science can tell us why things are the way they are, and what is likely to happen in the future, but it can't tell us why we should care. Now Roman Catholics have been told they *must* care. Perhaps it will turn the tide at last.
Pope Francis's encyclical has enormous historical importance. In 1967, the historian Lynn White published a famous paper titled "The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis" in Science, the flagship journal of the American scientific establishment. It's considered a founding document of modern Environmentalism. White's paper traced the cause of the accelerating degradation of the Earth's natural systems, which many in the developed world were then becoming aware of, to the belief in 'dominion' that Pope Francis cited in his Encyclical.
Now the Pope has acknowledged that "incorrect interpretations" of the founding document of his faith have justified the destruction of nature. Millions of his followers will be jarred out of their complacency, and recognize that material prosperity is not a God-given right, but that its full costs must be paid.
Science can tell us why things are the way they are, and what is likely to happen in the future, but it can't tell us why we should care. Now Roman Catholics have been told they *must* care. Perhaps it will turn the tide at last.
288
In fact, Christianity teaches us to be good stewards of the earth, which in no way equals raping it.
This is the way to put Religion to good use. Hats off to #PopFrancis and his incredible vision.
3
It is sadly interesting that when moral leaders remind us of our obligations we often reject them because we want to protect what makes us comfortable. Let us pray that Francis' message is heard and that all people will respond. If we cannot save the earth we will have nothing at all. It must be our first priority. It is so obvious an area that Republicans and Democrats could and must come together on. It could with some brave leadership be a unifier to end the shameful gridlock in Congress. Praise to Francis for telling it likr it is and walking the talk.
6
I regard the 6th Commandment as the Evolution commandment, "Honor thy father and mother." Every birth is the increment of evolution. It's about what we owe each other and future generations. As we were given the world by our parents in which we have sustained ourselves, lived, and thrived. We too have an obligation to be stewards of the earth, to honor our father and mother, by ensuring that future generations have a great and bounteous world in which to survive, be fit, and thrive.
6
What a sad thing that it seems almost out of place that a religious leader comes down on the side of thoughtfulness, morality and decency. Compare this to America's rabid, frothing, conservative, supply-side-Jesus nutjobs and kooks.
The Pope brings very much needed hope to those nauseated and disgusted by the American right and its willingness to destroy the planet for civilization in order to win a political battle to install world corporate feudalism.
The Pope brings very much needed hope to those nauseated and disgusted by the American right and its willingness to destroy the planet for civilization in order to win a political battle to install world corporate feudalism.
15
A very inspiring call to action. The unabated destruction of the environment is a huge moral issue. The Canadian federal Conservative government is just as in denial of climate change as the U.S. Republicans. They have slashed funding for environmental scientists (and for any fundamental science for that matter) and muzzled Canadian scientists from reporting their research findings - while they race to exploit the tar sands.
As a practicing Catholic and scientist, I am greatly heartened by Pope Francis' message to the world. He gets both the science and the moral issues right.
As a practicing Catholic and scientist, I am greatly heartened by Pope Francis' message to the world. He gets both the science and the moral issues right.
15
I commend Pope Francis for his strong stand on global climate change. The Bible charges us with being stewards of the Earth. I condemn the anti-science Republican party and Jeb Bush (Jeb!, so that we are so dumb that we will not know he is a Bush) for proclaiming global climate change is a "political problem". The Pope has the moral and religious authority to speak on any topic he wishes, thank you very much, Jeb! Once again, the anti-science, anti-gay, anti-woman political party needs to change or die!
3
"Yet Francis has also been sharply criticized .... by some Conservative Catholics who see the document as an attack on capitalism..."
No kidding. Conservative Catholics know that the the Pope is always right, unless he is left, in which case he is wrong.
As a Catholic who has actively practiced and attended weekly Mass for decades, I can assure the Catholic politicians that Christ never once discussed capitalism in his Gospels. He tended more to the "give up everything and follow me" philosophy.
Capitalism is a system based on pragmatic self interest (not a particularly Christ-like idea) to spur on innovation and prosperity. It is neither a moral or amoral system; the political and power systems that surround it determine the underlying morality.
It is the Pope's job to tell us what we need to do to follow Christ's teachings. It is not his job to defend economic systems. In this Encyclical, the Pope has spoken the truth about our human impact on the earth and on the people of the world. He has done his job.
No kidding. Conservative Catholics know that the the Pope is always right, unless he is left, in which case he is wrong.
As a Catholic who has actively practiced and attended weekly Mass for decades, I can assure the Catholic politicians that Christ never once discussed capitalism in his Gospels. He tended more to the "give up everything and follow me" philosophy.
Capitalism is a system based on pragmatic self interest (not a particularly Christ-like idea) to spur on innovation and prosperity. It is neither a moral or amoral system; the political and power systems that surround it determine the underlying morality.
It is the Pope's job to tell us what we need to do to follow Christ's teachings. It is not his job to defend economic systems. In this Encyclical, the Pope has spoken the truth about our human impact on the earth and on the people of the world. He has done his job.
13
As a lifelong atheist, I never thought I would be applauding a pope, but this may the most important church document in centuries. Thank god that the Church is finally addressing Creation.
7
Over population is a major cause of Climate Change but the Catholic Churches ban on birth control keep the poor of countries like Argentina producing huge families they can only raise in object poverty.
If the Pope want's to help he should let his flock use birth control
If the Pope want's to help he should let his flock use birth control
17
Perhaps the Pope isn't necessarily calling out an economic system, as much as materialism in all its forms. The idea that I need this car, or this relationship, or this spiritual practice to be happy. As opposed to the more radical and courageous thought that I have enough as is, in whatever form that takes.
7
All the Republican candidates take their moral guidance from Rush Limbaugh and talk radio, not from the pope.
10
Thank you Pope Francis. Just a thought for the folks that feel that not using oil and coal is wasting it. If we switch to renewable energy, the oil and coal will still be in the (bank) ground. It was here for millions of years and it is not going anywhere.
5
Pope Francis reminds us of what we need to hear. We've forgotten our humanity in so many ways. It doesn't matter if we're Catholic or not, this is a message we can all get behind.
13
Oh No. This means climate change has to be wrong.
Last sciencific pronouncement from a Pope was the earth was the center of the universe.
Is Al Gore alive? Why hasn't any one asked him?
Last sciencific pronouncement from a Pope was the earth was the center of the universe.
Is Al Gore alive? Why hasn't any one asked him?
2
Not true.
The very conservative John Paul II acknowledged the reality of evolution.
The very conservative John Paul II acknowledged the reality of evolution.
Take it seriously.
I believe that the last scientific pronouncement from a Pope was in support of the theory of evolution. But I could be wrong.
The Pope did not mention the fundamental cause of all environmental problems - too many humans. Religious dogma, espoused by people like the Pope, is responsible for much of the over-population that is causing a sixth mass extinction of non-human species right now. Climate change will just make things worse.
17
Exactly, it would have been more courageous to have dealt with the church's position on birth control.
1
I am officially impressed by the man and cautiously optimistic that his will be a thumb on the scale that helps tip the balance toward global environmental responsibility. The benefits of not having to ever run for office.
8
As a agnostic christian-leaning liberal I continue to be thoroughly impressed with Pope Francis and praise his efforts to make a stand against those who would seek to destroy this planet either for profit or political gain. To politicize environmental awareness and conservation is, to me, abhorrent and goes directly in the face of logic, reason and compassion. I am greatly looking forward to seeing how the presidential candidates from a certain party will continue to respond and affirm their faith in the church while at the same time refuting the man who is supposed to be their spiritual leader. The true colors will out.
382
"Catholic theologians say the overarching theme of the encyclical is “integral ecology,” which links care for the environment with a notion already well developed in Catholic teaching — that economic development, to be morally good and just, must take into account the need of human beings for things such as freedom, education and meaningful work.
“The basic idea is, in order to love God, you have to love your fellow human beings, and you have to love and care for the rest of creation".
***
"Integral ecology" is nothing but common sense, if you ask me. I nonetheless thank Pope Francis for speaking truth to power, and to the inescapable interconnectedness of all life.
“The basic idea is, in order to love God, you have to love your fellow human beings, and you have to love and care for the rest of creation".
***
"Integral ecology" is nothing but common sense, if you ask me. I nonetheless thank Pope Francis for speaking truth to power, and to the inescapable interconnectedness of all life.
39
I applaud the Pope Francis! I am thrilled over all with his missive. But he must include the civil and human rights of women as integral to the safety of society AND the earth. The mistreatment and diminishing of half of the human race makes no sense in this battle for our survival. Educated and empowered women means a smaller and more sustainable population. It means the outcome is a safer environment based on cooperation and the care of the young and their future assured. The fair treatment of women is the key to the mindset that will bring many more men into alignment with respect for Mother Nature. Women are made in God's image and likeness…Gen 1. Male and Female created he them….And behold he saw it was very good. I'm not any religion now..but I remember these words very well.
15
As close as the gentleman could have come to saying:
Vote Democratic.
Early and Often.
Vote Democratic.
Early and Often.
11
It isn't often that the church finds itself on the right side of history. Pope Francis has, in this encyclical, hit the proverbial nail on the head. Well done!
32
As an atheist I am moved by the brilliant statement from Pope Francis. This is the bravest, most insightful and honest statement I have heard from any international figure and I only hope that his voice and conscience will be heard loud and clear by the self serving corporate capitalists and greedy others who are willing to sacrifice any and all future good on behalf of short term gain. Pope Francis is doing more for the good of humanity, in the true sense of his religion, and we greatly respect, if not worship him for it.
178
Indeed, Pope Francis is a far cry from previous popes who lacked the courage to condemn Hitler, Mussolini or Franco.
1
We may now see the Hillary Campaign going 'gung-ho' on the Pope's message, while the 'Church First' GOP Catholics like Rubio, Santorum could be in a conundrum. Even the non denominational preachers like Huckabee may need to contradict this Encyclical.
The theory of Man Made Climate change is a "no no" in the bible belt, where the fortunes of the hopefuls lie.
The Cardinals will now be forced to spread this message in their sermon. Also the Pope is visiting the USA, and he will certainly talk about his two pet projects, Poverty & Climate Change.
The other big problem for the GOP is most Hispanics are Catholic and ardent followers of the message.
The theory of Man Made Climate change is a "no no" in the bible belt, where the fortunes of the hopefuls lie.
The Cardinals will now be forced to spread this message in their sermon. Also the Pope is visiting the USA, and he will certainly talk about his two pet projects, Poverty & Climate Change.
The other big problem for the GOP is most Hispanics are Catholic and ardent followers of the message.
12
This bold visionary is inspirational. He is a genuine moral leader. His view is so bedrock, so essential, because he rallies hope. How easy it has been to shrug and grumble at profit-driven rapaciousness, demoralized with a crushing sense of individual helplessness. Pope Francis is offering an alternative to such morbid cynicism.
6
"Francis also included a strong criticism of abortion while also belittling the argument that population control represented a solution to limited resources and poverty."
Want to reduce the number of abortions? By far, the most effective way to do that is by making contraceptives readily available to ALL women, particularly in poverty-stricken countries, along with educating and empowering those same women.
As for population control, it's not THE solution, but it is absolutely an essential PART of any comprehensive plan. One only has to note that world population has doubled in the past 45 years. Looking ahead another 45 years--within the lifetime of my children--cutting consumption by 50% per person will have exactly zero benefit if the population doubles again.
I'm all for climate-change mitigation as well as population control, since that's the only way out of the problem of environmental destruction. Thank you, Pope Francis, for taking a stand on this vital issue.
Want to reduce the number of abortions? By far, the most effective way to do that is by making contraceptives readily available to ALL women, particularly in poverty-stricken countries, along with educating and empowering those same women.
As for population control, it's not THE solution, but it is absolutely an essential PART of any comprehensive plan. One only has to note that world population has doubled in the past 45 years. Looking ahead another 45 years--within the lifetime of my children--cutting consumption by 50% per person will have exactly zero benefit if the population doubles again.
I'm all for climate-change mitigation as well as population control, since that's the only way out of the problem of environmental destruction. Thank you, Pope Francis, for taking a stand on this vital issue.
19
Praise for Pope Francis. Selling our souls and environments for money or power is surely a terrible thing that the world suffers from. We shall reap what we have sown.
6
Truly, " A Man For All Seasons"... I am not a Catholic and disagree with the church on a host of issues...however, his courage and his re-load on trying to make the church more relevant is impressive...I support him on his concern for the poor, economic distribution and, now, climate change.
Any criticism from the right (Rush and co.) will only make the Pope look more moral and more credible.
The Republicans always complain that we don't strictly interpret the Constitution...well, this Pope has a strict interpretation of the Bible...I am my Brother's keeper...I say Amen to that.
Any criticism from the right (Rush and co.) will only make the Pope look more moral and more credible.
The Republicans always complain that we don't strictly interpret the Constitution...well, this Pope has a strict interpretation of the Bible...I am my Brother's keeper...I say Amen to that.
7
How can anyone favour the environment and forbid family planning at the same time? It is impossible.
11
The Pope is as much an authority on global warming as he is on abortion. He doesn't have a lot of personal knowledge or expertise in either area.
But he did get one thing right. For those who advocate greater government control over our lives, global warming is a religion complete with sin (emitting CO2) and indulgences (carbon offsets.) So I guess having a religious leader opine on the subject actually makes sense.
But he did get one thing right. For those who advocate greater government control over our lives, global warming is a religion complete with sin (emitting CO2) and indulgences (carbon offsets.) So I guess having a religious leader opine on the subject actually makes sense.
1
It is refreshing to see a Pope address the issue of climate change and its effects on humanity. But in the same encyclical he also reiterates some other traditional Catholic views. In that sense it is a mixed bag, but refreshing enough to be applauded.
I wonder what the caravan of Republican hopefuls have to say.
I wonder what the caravan of Republican hopefuls have to say.
4
They'll praise the Pope when he agrees and denounce him when he doesn't. Santorum told the Pope to shut up since Francis isn't a scientist. Except he is.
Thank you, Pope Frances, for shining the light of truth on secular issues as well as spiritual. American political "leaders" should be ashamed of their lies, denial and obstructionism in their fealty to mammon.
7
The Pope Francis asks us to care for our planet, not abuse it.
Amen.
Amen.
13
Pope Francis --- keep up the good work ---this world needs a conscience.
11
I am not Catholic.
I am not religious.
On this subject the pope is correct.
We need to change our relationship with the environment and our fellow man.
The status quo is completely unsustainable and degrading to us all.
I am not religious.
On this subject the pope is correct.
We need to change our relationship with the environment and our fellow man.
The status quo is completely unsustainable and degrading to us all.
59
A good start. However, while I can understand (though disagree with) Francis' views on abortion, he must realize that having eagerly accepted artificial death control, mankind and the church must also eagerly accept artificial birth control in order to keep a balance between what mankind will consume and what the earth can provide over the long term.
20