Introduction
Pope Francis, a compassionate voice for the marginalized, persecuted, and migrants, passed away. Although he did not break from the Vatican’s conservatism regarding women’s full rights, sexual diversity, abortion, or euthanasia, he demonstrated openness and sensitivity towards significant global issues. His notable works include the 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si'” advocating for nature and all living beings, and his letter to US bishops this year, reminding them of the migrant nature of Jesus Christ’s family and affirming “the infinite dignity” of all human beings against Trump’s mass deportation policies.
Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Laudato Si'”
Published just before the COP21 that led to the Paris Agreement on climate change, “Laudato Si'” urges respect and preservation of life on Earth. Pope Francis critiques the destructive “technocratic paradigm,” which exploits people, animals, and natural resources for unlimited gain. He calls for dialogue, consideration of the common good, and viewing Earth as a “common home” to counter this “self-destructive spiral.”
Catholic Worldview and Environmental Stewardship
According to the Catholic worldview, humans have a privileged role in a divine creation. Pope Francis argues that every living being and component of the planet deserves care, contradicting anthropocentrism and individualism. Humans should be responsible stewards, not owners, using their intelligence and creativity to develop sustainable ways that don’t harm nature or other humans, ensuring a livable present and future.
Impact of the Technocratic Paradigm
The technocratic paradigm, driven by unlimited profit for a minority, has led to environmental degradation through exploitation of resources like fossil fuels, waste accumulation, chemical pollution, and monoculture farming. These actions harm human health, accelerate climate change, reduce biodiversity, increase poverty, marginalization, and violence. The paradigm also promotes a “use and discard” culture, threatening ecological balance and dehumanizing individuals.
Pope Francis’ Call for a New Development Model
Pope Francis emphasizes humanity’s capacity to “do good” and repair damage. He doesn’t advocate for de-growth or abandoning technology but seeks a sustainable, regulated development model that eliminates inequalities, eradicates poverty, and ensures dignified life for all. He appeals to individual and collective responsibility of believers and non-believers, urging the creation of an “ecological culture” and calling on governments to act seriously.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was Pope Francis’ main contribution? Pope Francis was a compassionate voice for marginalized groups and advocated for environmental preservation through his encyclical “Laudato Si'” and other initiatives.
- What is the technocratic paradigm? The technocratic paradigm is a model prioritizing technological advancements for unlimited profit, disregarding environmental and social consequences.
- How did Pope Francis critique this paradigm? He critiqued it in “Laudato Si'” by advocating for dialogue, common good, and viewing Earth as a “common home.”
- What is Pope Francis’ vision for a sustainable future? He envisions a responsible, sustainable development model that eliminates inequalities and ensures dignified life for all.
