6.
My predecessor Benedict XVI likewise proposed “eliminating the structural causes of the
dysfunctions of the world economy and correcting models of growth which have proved incapable of
ensuring respect for the environment”.
10
He observed that the world cannot be analyzed by isolating
onlyone of its aspects, since “the book of nature is one and indivisible”, and includes the environment,
life, sexuality, the family, social relations, and so forth. It follows that “the deterioration of nature is
closely connected to the culture which shapes human coexistence”.
11
Pope Benedict asked us to
recognize that the natural environment has been gravely damaged by our irresponsible behaviour. The
social environment has also suffered damage. Both are ultimately due to the same evil: the notion that
there are no indisputable truths to guide our lives, and hence human freedom is limitless. We have
forgotten that “man is not only a freedomwhich he creates for himself. Man does not create himself.
He is spirit and will, but also nature”.
12
With paternal concern, Benedict urged us to realize that
creation is harmed “where we ourselves have the final word, where everything is simply our property
and we use it for ourselves alone. The misuse of creation begins when we no longer recognize any
higher instance thanourselves,whenwe see nothing else but ourselves”.
13
United by the same concern
7.
These statements of the Popes echo the reflections of numerous scientists, philosophers,
theologians and civic groups, all of which have enriched the Church’s thinking on these questions.
Outside theCatholicChurch, other Churches andChristian communities – and other religions as well –
have expressed deep concern and offered valuable reflections on issues which all of us find disturbing.
To give just one striking example, I would mention the statements made by the beloved Ecumenical
PatriarchBartholomew,withwhomwe share thehope of full ecclesial communion.
8.
Patriarch Bartholomew has spoken in particular of the need for each of us to repent of the ways
we have harmed the planet, for “inasmuch as we all generate small ecological damage”, we are called
to acknowledge “our contribution, smaller or greater, to the disfigurement and destruction of
10
Address to theDiplomaticCorpsAccredited to theHoly See
(8 January2007):AAS99 (2007), 73.
11
Encyclical Letter
Caritas inVeritate
(29 June2009), 51:AAS 101 (2009), 687.
12
Address to theBundestag
, Berlin (22September 2011):AAS103 (2011), 664.
13
Address to theClergyof theDioceseof Bolzano-Bressanone
(6August 2008):AAS100 (2008), 634.
