Laudate Deum: Moral Insight & Imperative for the Harmony of Life

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of environmental issues, moral understanding, and global harmony through the lens of Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum. It emphasises the Pope’s call for recognising climate change as a structural crime with profound moral implications. The paper discusses the IPCC’s assessments, highlighting the urgency to limit global warming and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. It delves into the multifaceted consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. International cooperation, as evidenced by the Paris Agreement and COP meetings, is examined as a crucial response to the global environmental crisis. The research also touches on Laudate Deum’s emphasis on moving away from fossil fuels and the Pope's critique of a technological paradigm that neglects ethical considerations. Furthermore, it explores the challenges and potential solutions presented at COP28, emphasising the need for a holistic and inclusive ecological approach. The research underscores the importance of individual responsibility, community engagement, and ethical anthropocentrism in fostering ecological harmony. Ultimately, it aligns with Pope Francis’s call for gratitude, positive action, and the glorification of God as integral elements in addressing the intertwined issues of climate change and moral responsibility.