Pope Francis’ eagerly awaited environment encyclical was published today. Considering the author’s global popularity, the high profile created by his office, and the politically polarizing topic – the environment, especially his insistence on action on climate change – the buzz is not surprising.
The Vatican is launching the encyclical with a high-level press conference aimed at inspiring action from people of all faiths and no faith at all to combat climate change.
Speakers are expected to include Cardinal Peter Turkson, whose Vatican office penned the first draft of the document.
Joining him will be Metropolitan of Pergamon John Zizioulas, a leading theologian in the Greek Orthodox Church, which has prioritized protecting God’s creation.
German scientist John Schellnhuber, an atheist, is credited with coming up with the goal to keep global warming from increasing by 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels.
Economist Carolyn Woo is head of Catholic Relief Services, the overseas humanitarian agency of the U.S. church.
