Category Archives: Pope Francis

V. RELIGIONS IN DIALOGUE WITH SCIENCE 199. “It cannot be maintained that empirical science provides a complete explanation of life, the interplay of all creatures and the whole of reality. This would be to breach the limits imposed by its … Continue reading →

II. DIALOGUE FOR NEW NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLICIES In this section, the Pontiff applies the principle of subsidiarity. He balances his previous call for global efforts with national and local responsibility and authority as well. 176. “Questions related to the … Continue reading →

IV. THE PRINCIPLE OF THE COMMON GOOD 156. “Human ecology is inseparable from the notion of the common good, a central and unifying principle of social ethics.” 157. “Underlying the principle of the common good is respect for the human … Continue reading →

New biological technologies 130. “human intervention on plants and animals is permissible when it pertains to the necessities of human life” — the use of animals for experiments, and the use of biotech to modify plants and animals (genetically), must … Continue reading →

CHAPTER THREE THE HUMAN ROOTS OF THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS 101. “It would hardly be helpful to describe symptoms without acknowledging the human origins of the ecological crisis.” I. TECHNOLOGY: CREATIVITY AND POWER 102. “Technology has remedied countless evils which used … Continue reading →

III. THE MYSTERY OF THE UNIVERSE 76. “Nature is usually seen as a system which can be studied, understood and controlled, whereas creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all, and … Continue reading →

51. Pope Francis decries the behavior of developed nations and large multinational corporations toward disadvantaged nations. He describes the pollution and harm to the environment caused by companies which exploit the resources of poorer nations, with no regard for harm … Continue reading →

32. “The earth’s resources are also being plundered because of short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production.” 33. “Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will … Continue reading →

Catholic News Agency has the story. No particular formula for setting the date of Easter is being suggested by the Pontiff. From my book: Important Dates in the Lives of Jesus and Mary The current date for Easter is determined … Continue reading →

Laudato si’ is the encyclical of Pope Francis on the environment. The title is not in Latin, but in an early version of the Italian language as it was in the process of developing from Latin. It’s in-between Latin and … Continue reading →

Pope Francis sent a video message to an ecumenical gathering in Arizona. The Vatican translation is here. The relevant and not-at-all controversial passage follows: “Dear brothers and sisters, division is a wound in the body of the Church of Christ. … Continue reading →

Vatican Radio announced that Pope Francis has appointed a controversial liberal priest, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice. Fr. Radcliffe is widely criticized by conservative Catholics for his views: see One Peter … Continue reading →