«Do not manipulate or exploit the planet.» Recalling that today April 22 is Earth Day, Pope Francis launched this appeal at the end of this morning’s Weekly General Audience to the faithful in a sunny St. Peter’s Square.
“I exhort everyone to see the world through the eyes of God the Creator,» the Pope said, namely that «the earth is an environment to be safeguarded, a garden be cultivated.”
“The relationship of mankind with nature,» the Jesuit Pope stated, «must not be conducted with greed, manipulation and exploitation.» Rather, he said, «it must conserve the divine harmony that exists between creatures and Creation within the logic of respect and care.»
Only if this balance is maintained, will the earth be able to be put to «the service of our brothers» and «of future generations,” the Pope said.
