Pope releases messages Fratello Sole and 'Hope and Act with Creation'

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June 28, 2024

Solar panels cover the roof of the Vatican's Paul VI audience hall in this photo released by the Vatican in 2008. The hall's original concrete roof was replaced with panels of photo-electric cells, generating the city's first solar power. (CNS/Vatican)

Two messages from Pope Francis this week spoke to the church's role in caring for creation today. One detailed specific actions to be taken by the Holy See, the other took a theological-ethical approach.

Fratello Sole (Brother Sun) an apostolic letter issued motu proprio (personally, on the pope's own) June 26 announced a new agrivoltaic solar array that is to be installed on Vatican property. It will fully power the city-state.

"Humanity has the technological means needed to tackle this environmental transformation and its pernicious ethical, social, economic and political consequences, and among these, solar energy plays a key role," wrote the pope.

The Vatican is pursuing a goal of zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement, which it joined in 2022.

On June 27, the Vatican released Francis' message for the 2024 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Celebrated Sept. 1, the day of prayer marks the start of the Season of Creation which continues through Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.

This year's Season of Creation theme, and the title of the pope's message, is "Hope and Act with Creation," which the pope says, "means above all to join forces and to walk together with all men and women of goodwill" and "to live an incarnational faith, one that can enter into the suffering and hope-filled 'flesh' of others, by sharing in the expectation of the bodily resurrection to which believers are predestined in Christ the Lord."

What else is new on EarthBeat:

Caritas Bangladesh provides storm shelters to prevent lightning strike deaths

by Sumon Corraya

Experts say thunderstorm-related deaths are increasing in Bangladesh due to changing weather patterns, more lightning, and deforestation that has cut down tall trees that could absorb the impact of strikes.

Contemplate creation with breath and body as a path of ecological conversion

by Christina Leaño

"To pray with creation also means to pray with our bodies — temples of the Holy Spirit, created in the image of God as both corporeal and spiritual," writes Christina Leaño.

It was meant to be a Christian utopia. Now this Nigerian community is helpless against rising seas

by Taiwo Adebayo, Dan Akpoyi, Associated Press

The coastal Nigerian community of Ayetoro was founded decades ago and nicknamed "Happy City," meant to be a Christian utopia that would be sinless and classless. But now its remaining residents can do little against the rising sea.

Q&A with Sr. Zully Rojas Quispe, listening with humility in the Peruvian Amazon

by Luis Donaldo González

"Accompanying the Indigenous people and listening to their dreams has been a reaffirmation of my vocation," says Sr. Zully Rojas Quispe, provincial of the Dominican Missionaries of the Rosary in Peru.

Greening the future for northern Uganda's youth and refugees

by Zipporah Ngoiri Waitathu

"I find working with youth and refugees very rewarding because both groups are eager to engage in training and are willing to learn from their peers," writes Sr. Zipporah Ngoiri Waitathu of Uganda.

What's happening in other climate news:

Climate change got a question in the presidential debate. It didn't get much of an answer. —Joseph Winters for Grist

Supreme Court halts EPA 'good neighbor' rule —Sean Reilly for E&E News

Batteries and Rooftop Solar Can Lead to Huge Savings for the Entire Grid. A New Study Shows How—and How Much —Dan Gearino for Inside Climate News

Hawaii settles lawsuit from youths over climate change. Here's what to know about the historic deal —Jennifer Sinco Kelleher for The Associated Press

Latino environmental group launches climate campaign —Rafael Bernal for The Hill

Final Beat:

I'm proud to share that EarthBeat won eight awards at this year's Catholic Media Awards on June 21!

The honors included: first and second place in "best reporting of social justice issues – care for God's creation" for "At 10-year mark, Pope Francis seen as a global leader on the environment" and "Laudato Trees planting program enlists Catholic properties to help increase DC's canopy," respectively, both by NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe; first place in "best feature writing – national newspaper or wire service" for "Vatican's Venice Biennale exhibit serves as a laboratory for putting Laudato Si' in action," by NCR Vatican correspondent Christopher White; first place in "best editorial on a national or international issue – national newspaper or wire service" for "Editorial: Air quality is a justice issue — and not just when it hurts NYC"; and first place in "best national electronic newsletter" for this very newsletter — EarthBeat Weekly!

Roewe also received a second place award in "best in-depth news/special reporting – national newspaper or wire service" for "In Honduras' Dry Corridor, climate change poses a painful dilemma: Adapt or leave."

And EarthBeat received honorable mentions in "best news writing series – international event" for our coverage of COP28 and in "best social media campaign, liturgical seasons" for the "Creature Features" series designed by artist Ryan McQuade for the 2023 Season of Creation.

Thanks for reading EarthBeat!

Stephanie Clary
Environment Editor
National Catholic Reporter
sclary@ncronline.org
Instagram: @stephanieclaryncr