Pope Francis designated May 24, 2020 through May 24, 2021 as Laudato Si’ Year to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his landmark encyclical on the care for our common home. The following is an excerpt from Laudato Si’ and a reflection provided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia.
Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ #160: What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up? It is no longer enough, then, simply to state that we should be concerned for future generations. We need to see that what is at stake is our own dignity. Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is, first and foremost, up to us. The issue is one which dramatically affects us, for it has to do with the ultimate meaning of our earthly sojourn.
Reflection: What kind of world do you want to leave to those who come after you? This is the central question of Pope Francis’ encyclical. Spend time reflecting deeply on this question. Talk about it with your local community, family and friends.
“Let us not leave in our wake
a swath of destruction and death which will affect our own lives
and those of future generations.”
—Pope Francis