(Translated by Moneer Bayouk)
Did Francis Assisi realize in the 13th century that his well-known prayer known as “Praise be to You, my Lord” would be the title of a major Encyclical Letter made by a Pope, who bears the name of “Francis” in the 21st century, focusing on care for environment, nature and creatures?
What is important is that the encyclical letter was released at a time when media outlets waited to know its content. Furthermore, several sources looked for flaws through which they could direct scathing criticism to the Church and its heads for interference in affairs they believe they are irrelevant to religion.
The encyclical letter bears a major title, namely LAUDATO SI’ and a subtitle “On Care for Our Common Home”. This home is Earth, creatures and nature; and in the views of today, it is environment. This is very first encyclical letter issued by a Pontiff in this regard, where it constitutes a departure from the familiar contents of religious discourse.
Yet, raising this issue does not stem from a pure scientific aspect, but rather from humanitarian motives designed to preserve human dignity and livelihood. Furthermore, there are spiritual motives stemming from humans’ relationship with God, neighbours and nature that get to the point of lauding the creator through the creation. This goes hand-in-hand with caring for nature by being committed to society, justice, and the poor as well as to the inner peace sought among creatures and within every house.
The Encyclical Letter discusses in a simple style the major problems currently facing the environment, including pollution, environmental changes, waste, the culture of squandering, the looming dangers affecting environment as well as the impact of global warming on environment and human life. It also discusses the problem of water shortages, pollution in several countries of the world, and the lack of biological diversification which is caused by deforestation triggered by industrial and construction development.
Some media outlets criticized the Church for getting involved in the field of science. The Pope responds in his letter by saying: “The Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics. But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good.”
While the central concept revealed in the encyclical letter is “dialogue”, it also uncovers ideas relevant to education based on respect for the environment, which stands for family, school, communication outlets, and religious education. From this premise, a proposal can be made for considering the encyclical letter a new and serious subject for inter-religious dialogue, mainly Christian-Islamic dialogue, owing to the fact that the issue of environment is a common denominator among followers of both religions, and that the letter is addressed to every human being, as it ends with a general prayer for the Earth protection which can be said by every person regardless of religious affiliation. The prayer says:
"All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one."
Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media
Abouna.org@gmail.com
