the case everywhere, would destroy the planet. In practice, we continue to tolerate that some consider
themselvesmore human than others, as if theyhadbeenbornwith greater rights.
91.
A sense of deep communionwith the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness,
compassion and concern for our fellowhuman beings. It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in
endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about
the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted. This compromises the
verymeaning of our struggle for the sake of the environment. It is no coincidence that, in the canticle
in which Saint Francis praises God for his creatures, he goes on to say: “Praised be you my Lord,
through those who give pardon for your love”. Everything is connected. Concern for the environment
thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment
to resolving the problems of society.
92.
Moreover, when our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of
fraternity excludes nothing and no one. It follows that our indifference or cruelty towards fellow
creatures of this world sooner or later affects the treatment we mete out to other human beings. We
have only one heart, and the same wretchedness which leads us to mistreat an animal will not be long
in showing itself in our relationships with other people. Every act of cruelty towards any creature is
“contrary to human dignity”.
69
We can hardly consider ourselves to be fully loving ifwe disregard any
aspect of reality: “Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected
themes, which cannot be separated and treated individually without once again falling into
reductionism”.
70
Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a
wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also
unites us in fond affectionwith brother sun, sistermoon, brother river andmother earth.
VI.
THECOMMONDESTINATIONOFGOODS
93.
Whether believers or not, we are agreed today that the earth is essentially a shared inheritance,
whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone. For believers, this becomes a question of fidelity to the
69
Catechism of theCatholicChurch
, 2418.
70
CONFERENCE OF DOMINICAN BISHOPS, Pastoral Letter
Sobre la relación del hombre con la naturaleza
(21
January1987).
