The Vatican recently announced the release of a new rite for Mass titled "Mass for the Care of Creation," which aims to encourage the faithful to seek divine assistance in their responsibilities toward the environment. This initiative aligns with Pope Leo XIV's efforts to build on the ecological foundations laid by Pope Francis, who initially emphasized environmental issues during his papacy. Cardinal Michael Czerny highlighted at a Vatican news conference that this Mass provides a liturgical, spiritual, and communal framework for engaging in the care of our planet.
The announcement of the Mass was made shortly after Pope Leo XIV expressed his growing concerns about the state of the environment in the context of an upcoming prayer day on September 1, dedicated to creation care. He emphasized the urgent need for environmental justice, describing it as a critical issue that extends beyond mere environmental protection to encompass social, economic, and human rights.
The roots of this new Mass can be traced back to Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si'," which significantly influenced the Church's environmental activism. Cardinal Czerny noted that the creation of this Mass was also a response to numerous requests for a formal liturgical celebration of the encyclical's themes. This initiative showcases the Vatican's commitment to addressing pressing ecological challenges and invites the global Catholic community to participate actively in caring for the planet.
The announcement of the Mass was made shortly after Pope Leo XIV expressed his growing concerns about the state of the environment in the context of an upcoming prayer day on September 1, dedicated to creation care. He emphasized the urgent need for environmental justice, describing it as a critical issue that extends beyond mere environmental protection to encompass social, economic, and human rights.
The roots of this new Mass can be traced back to Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si'," which significantly influenced the Church's environmental activism. Cardinal Czerny noted that the creation of this Mass was also a response to numerous requests for a formal liturgical celebration of the encyclical's themes. This initiative showcases the Vatican's commitment to addressing pressing ecological challenges and invites the global Catholic community to participate actively in caring for the planet.
