Apostolic Exhortation: Laudate Deum

Laudate Deum (2023)

Pope Francis states that the title of this follow up letter is “Praise God” because “when human beings claim to take God’s place, they become their own worst enemies.” By this he means that the more we seek to increase power for its own sake, the less we use our power to protect life.  Power should be used to create a better world for all and Laudate Deum is an urgent plea for us all to take action before it is too late.

You may read Laudate Deum by clicking here.

Laudate Deum:
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31)
Praise God for all his creatures. (St. Francis of Assisi)

So, what has happened?  Why does our Holy Father, Pope Francis, begin his latest papal letter with, ‘My brothers and sisters of our suffering planet….’  Why does he say that the other creatures of the world have stopped being our companions and instead, have become our victims?

Please take a few minutes to listen to this short video, taking words directly from Laudate Deum, reading aloud the Pope’s words, who is asking each of us to remember that everything that exists is, and must continue to be treated as, a gift from God.  Our care for one another and our care for the earth are intimately bound together.  We all have a part to play.  We all have a responsibility.

https://youtu.be/xDxUCZ-iw-g?si=LNdZyWKWc62oW8r5