The Weekly Word: Pope Francis and the Role of Religion in Climate Change Discourse

The Weekly Word: Pope Francis and the Role of Religion in Climate Change Discourse

“Moving the needle” on such daunting challenges is never easy, but history demonstrates that energetic moral leadership often does make a major difference in the struggle for change. A visionary pope really can alter the regnant ethical discourse and propose new priorities. The clarion call of Pope Francis to oppose climate change before it is too late emphasizes two things that religion (and especially the Catholic Church) does extraordinarily well: educating for values and fostering moral formation. The ongoing engagement of Pope Francis and other Catholic leaders in the United Nations COP process will surely continue to accentuate the urgent need for precisely these transformations.

Seven Things to Know About the New Papal Encyclical Fratelli Tutti

Seven Things to Know About the New Papal Encyclical Fratelli Tutti

Voices from around the world have expressed great appreciation and directed many words of praise for the latest encyclical released by Pope Francis. Whatever your religious affiliation, you may be interested in the profound messages regarding social justice that the pope proposes in this document. Allow me to offer seven insights that may assist your understanding of Fratelli Tutti, published in early October 2020.