Letter to the Faithful: "Laudate Deum"

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Today, the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis promulgated Laudate Deum, the new Apostolic Exhortation concerning the climate crisis. This exhortation follows Laudato Si', the Holy Father’s landmark encyclical on care for creation which advanced the urgent challenge to protect our common home.

The church is a privileged community to know how to respond by uniting the cry of the poor with the cry of the earth, an integral ecology. As the climate crisis is a social issue intimately related to the dignity of human life, the Holy Father continues to remind us that our care for one another and the earth are intimately bound together (Laudate Deum, 3). To the extent that we profess, “I believe in God…Creator of heaven and earth” (Apostles’ Creed), we are challenged to work toward a sustainable and integral development of society.

The Diocese of Austin will continue to consult with others to identify appropriate creation care objectives for this local church. As Bishop of Austin, I invite each person to read and pray with Laudate Deum and revisit Laudato Si'. I also encourage the Christian faithful – and all people of good will – to accompany one another by committing ourselves to an authentic reconciliation with the world that shelters us (Laudate Deum, 69).

I invoke the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi as we respond to our Holy Father’s call in Laudate Deum.