On 19 January 2023, Pope Francis received in audience at the Vatican a group of Buddhist monks from Cambodia to whom he addressed the following words about ecological conversion:
‘Ecological conversion happens when the human roots of the present environmental crisis are named; when true repentance leads to the slowing or halting of trends, ideologies and practices that are hurtful and disrespectful to the earth and when people commit to promoting models of developments that heal wounds inflicted by greed, excessive search for financial profits, lack of solidarity with neighbours and disrespect for the environment. Ecological conversion aims at turning “what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it” (Laudato Si’, 19). It calls us “to change gears, to change bad habits in order to be able to dream, co-create, and act together to realise just and equitable futures” (Preface to Laudato Si’ Reader, 13).
…For their part, Christians fulfill their ecological responsibility when, as trustworthy stewards, they protect Creation, the work God has entrusted to them “to till and to keep” (Gen 2:15; cf. Laudato Si’, 95; 217).’
Read the complete article in Vatican News
