Papal appeals for environment, refugees

June 17, 2015

At the conclusion of his June 17 general audience, Pope Francis spoke about the environment and refugees.

“Tomorrow, as you know, the Encyclical on the care of the ‘common house’ that is creation will be published,” he said. “Our ‘house’ is being ruined, and that hurts everyone, especially the poorest among us.”

“My appeal is, therefore, to responsibility, based on the task that God has given to man in creation: ‘to till and tend’ the ‘garden’ in which humanity has been placed (cf. Gen 2:15),” he added. “I invite everyone to accept with open hearts this document, which places itself in the line of the Church’s social doctrine.”

Recalling that June 20 is World Refugee Day, the Pope said, “We pray for the many brothers and sisters who seek refuge far from their native lands, who seek a home where they can live without fear: that they might always be respected in their dignity.”

“I encourage the work of those who bring help to those in need, and it is my hope that the international community should act in a fitting and effective way to prevent the causes of forced migration,” he continued.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis: encyclical part of Church's social doctrine (Vatican Radio)
• Pope Francis: appeal at Audience for refugees (Vatican Radio)
• L’Udienza Generale, 17.06.2015 (Holy See Press Office)