"The Care of Our Common Home" by Pope Francis A Study Guide

Cardinal Bergoglio, Pope Francis, was chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. He has been capturing the attention of billions of people worldwide because of his clear and consistent concern for people, especially the poor. His leadership style contrasts sharply with his two predecessors. On May 24, 2015 Pope Francis issued his first encyclical letter. "Laudato Si" (The Care of Our Common Home) addresses the environmental degradation of our earth. Humans are clearly responsible for most of this degradation including global warming, he says. Pope Francis earned a master's degree in chemistry before entering the seminary to prepare to be a Catholic priest. While his background is important for this letter, the letter is not about science. It is education about our common home and an appeal to all of us to reverse the damaging trend we are on. This trend can only lead to disaster, he says. Pope Francis' solution is grounded in faith but he urges dialogue among leaders of all religions, science, economy, politics, and others because the changes required are enormous. These changes involve moving from "extreme consumerism" to a more simple life. This book includes additional resources for the reader to expand his/her knowledge. It also has links to documents cited by Pope Francis and suggestions for group study. It also has a number of reflection questions in many places in the letter. This book can be used in many ways: 1) Individual reading and reflection. 2) Day of retreat for groups. 3) Parish staff studying and planning a course of action. 4) Diocesan study and reflection on an action plan.