The Vatican is commemorating the third anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment Laudato Si’ and calling for concrete action.
This afternoon, the International Conference ‘Saving the Common Home and the Future of Life on Earth,’ organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, to take place in the Vatican’s New Synod Hall, July 5 -6, 2018, was presented in the Holy See Press Office by Card. Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Prefect of the dicastery; Flaminia Giovanelli, Under-Secretary of the same Dicastery; and Fr Josh Kureethadam, SDB, Official of the same Dicastery.
«What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?» Cardinal Turkson reflected on this important question posed in the encyclical, reminding that taking this to mind and acting is necessary in order to make sure future generations are not abandoned to a damaged planet.
He also stressed that on an individual level, concrete steps must be taken to achieve change. In his dicastery’s office, they are installing a water machine to eliminate a dependence on always buying water bottles. They also, he expressed, have put together a list of recommendations for the Vatican’s Governatorate, of ways it could be more environment friendly, such as solar panels.
Flaminia Giovanelli highlighted the importance of recognizing that what we do now is what will decide the fate of future generations.
Fr Josh Kureethadam spoke about the program and participants, noting there will be climate change experts, representatives from charitable organizations, and the Vatican and pointed out that the event will start with a prayer being said by young children and that young people too will be giving a contribution.
