VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis announced on Wednesday that he will be unveiling a revised edition of his groundbreaking 2015 environmental encyclical on October 4, coinciding with the feast day of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi—a nature enthusiast known for his love of creation. The Pope’s call for an end to the “senseless war against our common home” is anticipated to resonate strongly within this updated document.
In recent discussions, Pope Francis disclosed his intentions to craft a “second part” of the encyclical that would tackle present-day challenges. The Vatican spokesperson noted that this updated version would notably address the pressing issues stemming from recent climate crises.
During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis announced his plans to release the revised encyclical on October 4—a date that also marks the beginning of a significant Vatican gathering focused on the future of the Catholic Church.
The 2015 encyclical, titled “Laudato Si,” or “Praised Be,” remains one of Pope Francis’ most renowned and impactful documents. Within its pages, he frames environmental care in strong moral terms, advocating for a sweeping cultural transformation to rectify what he describes as a “structurally perverse” economic system. This system, he asserts, allows the wealthy to exploit the less fortunate, leading to the degradation of Earth into a state of “filth.”
Pope Francis passionately addresses issues such as Amazon deforestation, the thawing of Arctic glaciers, and the decline of coral reefs. He admonishes climate skeptics as “obstructionists” and criticizes politicians for prioritizing the interests of the oil industry over scriptural teachings, common sense, or the pleas of marginalized communities.
The encyclical’s influence has sparked ecological movements worldwide, drawing references from presidents and religious leaders alike. It forms a cornerstone of Pope Francis’ decade-long papacy, which places emphasis on aiding the impoverished and vulnerable.
Originally released just before the Paris climate talks, the updated encyclical’s timing coincides with the forthcoming U.N. climate conference scheduled later this year in Dubai.
“Let us stand together with our fellow Christian brethren in our commitment to safeguard creation as a sacred offering from the Creator,” Pope Francis urged during his Wednesday address. “We must stand in solidarity with those affected by environmental and climate injustices, working tirelessly to halt the reckless assault on our shared home.”
As the Pope prepares to deliver this significant update, the world awaits the renewed call for environmental stewardship and a more conscientious coexistence with the planet.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
