Vatican document on integral ecology in the family

- Vatican News, OSV News, Rome

“Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family” is the title of the 79-page document, conceived with the aim of responding to the appeals of Popes Francis and Leo XIV to listen to the cry of the poor and of the Earth. The aim is to offer a concrete response, putting into practice the teachings of the post-synodal apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia and the encyclical Laudato si'.

Pope Document has been jointly elaborated by the Dicasteries for the Integral Human Development Service y for the Laity, the Family and Life. According to a press release, theologians, counselors and married couples participated in the drafting of the text.

Families, fundamental in developing and transmitting care for the common home

“The values that are forged and cultivated within the family constitute the fertile soil from which the life of society springs,” write Cardinals Michael Czerny and Kevin Farrell, prefects of both Dicasteries, in the presentation of the document, published April 27. “Families are therefore fundamental to developing and transmitting the value of the care of our common home and of each person".

“Many families,” the two cardinals continue, “already live this vocation with the open heart and hope that is Christ Jesus.”.

In the family one learns “self-giving, patience and dedication, acceptance and protection of life, so that it can flourish and develop fully; as well as, complementarity and reciprocity, intergenerational exchange and solidarity with other families, along with the transmission of knowledge and traditions”.

Aimed at families, but really at everyone.

The volume, although primarily addressed to families, is in fact addressed to everyone, since each person, in his or her own state of life, can find in it advice and inspiration to contribute to improving relationships and the environment, promoting a more just and sustainable world in which Creation and human dignity are defended and protected.

Part I, concepts based on the writings of Pope Francis

The first part gathers fundamental concepts based on the most significant writings of Pope Francis. The second contains thematic chapters reflecting seven objectives inspired by Laudato si’ on listening to the cry of the earth, the poor and the vulnerable. On promoting the green economy, adopting appropriate lifestyles, integral ecology and education, ecological spirituality from a family perspective, and on families participating in community life.

Each chapter is divided into four sections: explanations, implications, questions and concrete actions.