Humans are turning the planet into a 'polluted wasteland full of
debris, desolation, and filth,' says Pope Francis
Pope Francis on Thursday put forth an urgent call for people
to actively work to save the environment, proposing that the Catholic Church
add such a duty to the list of "seven mercies," which includes
feeding the hungry and visiting the sick, which Catholics are required to
perform.
"Francis described man's destruction of the environment
as a sin," the Guardian reported.
"The modern world has new forms of poverty, Francis
said, and thus requires new forms of mercy to address them," the Washington Post noted.
Remarking on the planet's rapid warming, Francis observed
that "[c]limate change is also contributing to the heart-rending refugee
crisis. The world's poor, though least responsible for climate change, are most
vulnerable and already suffering its impact."
"We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of
biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our
irresponsible and selfish behaviour," he said. "Because of us,
thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very
existence."
"We have no such right," Francis said.
Francis' speech built on ideas he first put forth last
year in Laudato Si,
his unprecedented encyclical on climate change and environmental protection.
Earlier this month, Francis also excoriated
capitalism for
leading to endless war.