Pope Leo: it is not late for ecological conversion

It is not late for "personal and collective" ecological conversion. There is still time to "recognize mistakes" so that "what has been used for destruction" is "redirected towards life, for the care of the poor, the nourishment of the hungry and the protection of creation".

From the beauty and harmony of the breathtaking scenery of the gardens of the Borgo laudato Si' of Castel Gandolfo which itself suggests the harmonious momentum to which Leone refers, the Pope launches a new appeal for the protection of the "common home" and the environment, just as the world is experiencing catastrophic events such as the floods in Nepal. A warning that links to that of the fight against poverty and social exclusion resulting from climate change.

"With Saint Francis we want to renew our commitment to live and promote that universal brotherhood which is inseparably united to the task of safeguarding creation", he says, celebrating with the form of the 'Mass for the Custody of Creation', the result of the path shared between four dicasteries, the Service of Integral Human Development, Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Doctrine of the Faith and the Promotion of Christian Unity.

This is the second time since the beginning of his pontificate that Leo has presided over this particular celebration also within the scope of the celebrations of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, thus testifying to the desire to maintain and relaunch with his own imprint and style, the themes of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si' which in turn was partly inspired by the Poverello of Assisi and his preaching so radical as to embrace love for all creatures, without distinction.

"From the contemplation of Creation - warned Prevost - the awareness of our personal and collective responsibility is born" and "from our shortcomings and our errors", "a renewed commitment is born to restore relationships between creatures according to the will of their Creator". "Tonight - he continued -, as we welcome the invitation to stop and reflect on the works of God, we begin the "Time of Creation", a five-week period dedicated to prayer and commitment to caring for the 'common home'".

"On this day, therefore, and in the days to come - his invitation -, let us give ourselves a few minutes' break from the frenzy of daily activities to enjoy the great harmony of which we are part. Let us put all the noises of human works into 'silent mode' to listen to the melodious voice of creation in which God speaks to us".