Pope Francis Urges Brazilian Catholics to Embrace Ecological Stewardship
Pope Francis supports the 2023 Campaign for Fraternity’s theme, “Fraternity and Integral Ecology,” emphasizing ecological conversion and global cooperation to combat climate change. The campaign aligns with Brazil’s upcoming hosting of COP30, highlighting urgent environmental action and the Church’s commitment to preserving Creation.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil has organized the Campaign for Fraternity for the past 61 years, focusing annually on a specific theme. In 2023, the theme is “Fraternity and Integral Ecology,” which aims to encourage integral conversion and address the concerns of the impoverished and the environment.
On Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis conveyed his support for the Brazilian Catholic community and lauded the bishops for their efforts in this year’s campaign. He urged participants to follow the path of conversion highlighted in his encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” and its subsequent exhortation, “Laudate Deum.”
Pope Francis emphasized that these documents highlight the need for an “ecological crisis” to inspire a significant internal transformation among individuals. He referred to Pope John Paul II’s call for ecological conversion to enhance humanity’s sensitivity towards Earth’s stewardship.
Given Brazil’s rich biodiversity, environmental protection is crucial. The nation will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP30, in Belém do Pará this fall, underscoring the urgency for climate action. The Pope underscored the Church’s commitment to collaborating on a global scale to address the climate crisis efficiently.
In his message, the Pope expressed hope that the Campaign for Fraternity will serve as a pivotal resource for communities in Brazil, aligning them with a profound commitment to integral ecology throughout this vital period of ecological awareness and action.
In conclusion, Pope Francis encourages Brazilian Catholics to engage in ecological awareness and action through the Campaign for Fraternity. The campaign promotes integral conversion and highlights the urgent need for collaboration worldwide to address the climate crisis. As Brazil prepares for the upcoming Climate Change Conference, the responsibility toward environmental stewardship remains at the forefront of Church teachings.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
