Laudate Deum: A Last Call for the Planet?, published by the Laudato Si’ Research Institute (LSRI) in collaboration with ‘Partnerships for Change’, was launched this week at an online event that brough together more than 140 participants from around the world, including academics, theologians, scientists, and policymakers. A recording of the event is available to watch (see below).
Dr Timothy Howles, LSRI Associate Director, opened the event by describing the volume as “a multi-contributor book that builds upon, and is inspired by, that letter [Laudate Deum], and indeed by the example and legacy of Pope Francis and his entire body of social teaching on ecology.”
The book has been edited by Revd Prof. Joshtrom Kureethadam and Dr Tobias Thornes.
Revd Prof. Joshtrom Kureethadam, Coordinator of Ecology and Creation at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and co-editor of the book, explained that the idea for the book came from a sense that the papal exhortation had not yet received the attention it deserves: “Through this book, we want to resonate and amplify the prophetic message in Laudate Deum. Time is running out. We need to act.”
Jackie Miller, CEO of 'Partnerships for Change', highlighted the need for moral clarity in our response to the ecological crisis: “Pope Francis reminds us in Laudate Deum that we have sinned against our planet, fouling our nest with greed and cognitive dissonance, and a mind virus that blinds us to the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth."
The book also emphasises the power of ecumenical collaboration. Dr Tobias Thornes, an Oxford-based climate physicist and co-editor of the book, reflected: “One of the things I have been impressed by is the ecumenical nature of this work. That is something that I think Pope Francis himself would be very happy about, the way in which it has also brought together people from different traditions within the church, as we unite behind a common concern for creation.”
Prof. Celia Deane‑Drummond, Director of LSRI, described the book as a living example of integral ecology: “What we’re trying to do, in a way, is model integral ecology, bringing together social issues with theological issues.” She added: “Pope Francis believed that science and technology, once they replace our moral and theological framework, become problematic. They might try and solve problems, but they create a whole set of new ones as well. Integral Ecology rejects any philosophy of mastery over the natural world that humanity has in the past exercised.”
Prof. Veerabhadran Ramanathan (UC San Diego) warned of devastating economic consequences if urgent action is not taken: “If we continue along this path, let’s say another 15 years, the cost of that to society is going to be close to $178 trillion. The question I ask is, is there still time to protect people and nature from catastrophic empires? Absolutely, yes, but it’s going to take a new approach.”
Dr Mary Evelyn Tucker (Yale University) closed with a vision rooted in spiritual wonder: “Humanity is part of a vast, evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. How profound. How beautiful.” She closed her remarks with two sentences from Laudate Deum:
“All of us are linked by unseen bonds, and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us up with a sacred, affectionate, and humble respect. The world sings with infinite love. How can we fail to care for it?”
Laudate Deum remains a summons to collective conversion and action. As the launch made clear, science, theology, and a spirit of solidarity can come together to care for our common home. If we take up Pope Francis’ invitation, we might yet secure a flourishing future for all creation.
Banner photo by Misbahul Aulia on Unsplash
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