Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Faisalabad (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Pakistan have expressed "joy and gratitude to Pope Francis for the new encyclical Laudato sì", stating that "the Catholic Church in Pakistan welcomes it with open heart": is what His Exc. Mgr. Joseph Arshad, Bishop of Faisalabad and President of the National Commission "Justice and Peace" (NCJP) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan says in a note sent Agenzia Fides.
The Pakistani Bishops appreciate the steps taken by the Holy Father to defend the rights of the poor and needy in the world", saying that "the articulated reflection on topics such as ecology, justice and poverty emphasize the value of life of all God's creation". "The danger to our 'common home', the planet we live in, is described in the encyclical in a way that leaves no doubt on the existential risk that we face", notes Mgr. Arshad.
"This risk is common to us all - the note continues - regardless of ethnicity, geography, religion or cultural identity. Therefore, measures to avoid catastrophic consequences of the current situation are just as important. The Pope’s encyclical is a call for unity: unity in prayer for the environment, for the conversion of hearts and lifestyles, to respect and love all that is given to us by God in this universe".
Recalling that the Catholic Church "should contribute with all means at its disposal for the protection of creation", the Pakistani Bishops recall that the text of the encyclical "is very important in view of the UN Conference on Climate Change to be held in autumn 2015 in France". "Our common home is ours - concludes the appeal of the Pakistani Bishops - and we are all called to take care of it." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/06/2015)
