Bishop Thompson Comments

Bishop Charles C. Thompson provided these comments following the June 18 release of “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment:

“Care for God’s creation is a core element of Catholic Social Teaching. In publishing this encyclical, Pope Francis joins St. John Paul II and Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI as recent popes who focused on ecology in a variety of talks and written works.

“The beauty of God’s creation is evident across our 12 counties. Our diocesan shield includes representations of the Ohio and Wabash rivers, which serve as our southern and western borders, respectively. The rural nature of our diocese provides a bounty of God’s natural beauty through all the seasons.

“The Holy Father’s encyclical, “Laudato Si’” (Praised Be), reflects his teaching authority. Throughout its pages, he honors the beauty of creation and offers thoughts on preserving it. He speaks as a pastor, with a voice that transcends the partisanship often present in debates on climate change.

“U.S. Catholic Bishops also have a history of bringing care for God’s creation into the public square.

“In 1991, they released ‘Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching.’ In 2001, the bishops released ‘Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good.’

“Catholic teaching holds that care for God’s creation is intimately linked with care for others and basic human dignity. Life and Dignity of the Human Person is another core element of Catholic Social Teaching. As a result, “Laudato Si’” is consistent not only with longstanding Catholic Social Teaching, but also with the perspectives of recent popes and the U.S. bishops, who have been outspoken on the need to care for God’s creation and, through it, respect the life and dignity of every human person.”