Laudato Si & Pope Francis’ Call For Conversion

~ Ten years following the publication of Laudato si: On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis’ appeal is no less pressing. It stresses the “urgent need for a radical change in the conduct of humanity”, inasmuch as “the most extraordinary scientific advances, the most amazing technical abilities, the most astonishing economic growth, unless they are accompanied by authentic social and moral progress, will definitively turn against man”. (pp. 4) This is definitely anticipated in the unsettling rise of Ai.

Pope Francis explains that what many would call an environmental crisis cannot be separated from what many would call a social crisis stating, “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” (pp. 139) As you would expect, he claims the nature of the crisis is not simply environmental or social, but spiritual. And, he claims that the solution can’t simply be a lifestyle change, more technological advancement, more money in the hands of more people, or even more education. No, he offers Jesus’ standard solution a changed human heart. (pp. 218)

This call for conversion is striking, however. Pope Francis calls for a societal conversion stating the “conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion.” (219) Why so striking? I don’t know. Community conversion is really quite ancient. The very first conversion on Pentecost was a community conversion including approximately 3,000 people. (At 2:41) The result was not 3,000 nicer individuals attending church most Sundays. No, the result was societal change. The full number of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, and no one said that anything that belonged to him was his own, but they held everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There wasn’t a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (At 4:32-35) And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (At 2:47)

When God entered the first converts’ hearts, it produced a strikingly attractive society. So attractive that more people joined every day, willing to give everything to be part of it. Over the life of the Church, continuous community conversions changed the entire world. And, community conversions will continue to change the world. I believe this is the only change that is sustainable change.

During the Summer months, this column will be highlighting the good work and parishioners involved in one of our various Social Justice Ministries.  Each week, we will feature an article from a different ministry, written by one if its members, as a reflection on the calling to Catholic Social Teaching at St. Margaret of Scotland.