Fr. Placide Elia, MHM…………………
Ten years ago, on May 24, 2015, Pope Francis published an encyclical Laudato Sì, that has profoundly transformed how we view and respond to the environmental crisis. Addressed to Catholics and people of goodwill, its message has gone beyond religious circles, touching lives across the world. Laudato Sì has become a guiding document for individuals, communities, and institutions committed to ecological justice and the care of creation.
For me, this encyclical is not just a document, it speaks directly to my lived experience. As someone born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I have personally witnessed the destruction of our environment. The Congo Basin, one of the world’s most vital forest and a lifeline for millions of people, is under severe threat. I have seen vast areas of trees cut down, rivers that once sustained communities drying up, and the disappearance of species of birds and animals that were once abundant.
When Pope Francis speaks of the earth “crying out” due to human exploitation, I know exactly what he means. I have seen families struggle to find clean water, fishermen return empty-handed from rivers and lakes that were once filled with fish, and farmers whose lands are no longer fertile because of deforestation and climate change. The message of Laudato Sì is not just a call for ecological responsibility—it is a plea for survival, for justice, and for the dignity of people who depend on nature for their daily lives.
The Challenge for Our Generation
One of the most powerful aspects of Laudato Sì is its urgency. Our ancestors may not have fully understood the consequences of their actions on the environment, but today, we have no excuse. The evidence is clear: climate change, global warming, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution are real and pressing threats that demand immediate action.
Despite this, many people continue with destructive habits, ignoring the warnings. Corporations exploit natural resources without accountability, governments prioritize economic gains over environmental protection, and individuals remain indifferent, believing that someone else will fix the problem.
A message of Hope
Around the world, people are responding to Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home. The Catholic Church, along with people of goodwill, has embraced ecological movements and initiatives aimed at restoring the environment. Schools, universities, parishes, and religious communities have adopted Laudato Sì as a framework for ecological responsibility. Young people, in particular, are stepping up, recognizing that their future depends on the choices they make today.
In many countries in Africa, we see both the crisis and the potential for change. Our forests are still among the richest in biodiversity, our rivers still flow with life, and our communities still hold deep wisdom about living in harmony with nature. Pope’s invitation is to protect what remains and restore what has been lost.
CYNESA’s Commitment to Laudato Sì
For us, as members of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA), this 10th anniversary is a moment of gratitude and renewed commitment. We have taken Laudato Sì as our guide, integrating its message into our daily lives and activities. Every member of CYNESA is encouraged to read and implement the teachings of this encyclical in practical ways—whether by planting trees, reducing waste, educating communities, or advocating for policies that protect the environment.
As we join the Catholic Church in Uganda and the rest of the world in celebrating this milestone, we recognize that the work is far from over. This anniversary is not just a time for reflection but a time for greater action. We call upon more young people to join many different ecological movements and make a difference in our communities.
Caring for creation is not just for a few passionate individuals—it is a responsibility for all of us. Climate change affects everyone, and we all have a role to play in reversing its effects. Whether it is through tree planting, reducing plastic waste, adopting sustainable farming practices, or pushing for better environmental policies, every action matters.
An Invitation to Act
As we mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Sì, I invite you to do something, no matter how small, to protect our common home. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to us through our various platforms. Together, we can make a difference.
The call of Laudato Sì is clear: “The Earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor” (Laudato Sì, 2). May God bless you as you take a step towards caring for our planet, the poorest of our time.
