Laudato Si’ Through the Lens of Positive Psychology: Reflections and Implications for Formators and Spiritual Counselling

Abstract

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015) has been widely recognised as a landmark contribution to ecological ethics, social justice, and contemporary spirituality. While much scholarly attention has focused on its environmental and socio-political dimensions, the document also offers profound insights into human flourishing, meaning, relationships, and spiritual well-being. These themes resonate strongly with contemporary positive psychology, particularly its emphasis on virtues, character strengths, meaning, gratitude, connectedness, and holistic well-being. This reflective article explores Laudato Si’ through a positive psychology framework and examines its relevance for formators, and spiritual counsellors. The paper argues that Pope Francis’ vision of “integral ecology” provides a comprehensive model of human flourishing that transcends individualistic notions of well-being and emphasises interconnectedness with God, self, others, and creation. The article concludes by highlighting practical implications for formation and counselling contexts.