Pope Francis leads the Liturgy of the Word on the day he instituted in unity with the Orthodox Church. Representatives of all Christian churches attend the service. Without the conversion of heart to God, “ecology has not chance of succeeding." Saint Francis of Assisi is the model of caring for creation.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis today marked World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in Saint Peter’s Basilica with the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at 5 pm in the presence of representatives of the Orthodox, Anglican and Reformed Churches as well as cardinals, bishops and members of the diplomatic corps. Thousands of believers also took part in the ceremony.

The pontiff had proposed the observance a few weeks ago to be held communion with the Orthodox Church, which had been marking the event for the past few years. Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, also issued a message for the occasion that is similar to Pope Francis’ Laudato si’.

Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the Pontifical Household, spoke during the Liturgy of the Word, which was very unassuming (some songs, two biblical readings, and a few decorations).

The Franciscan friar mentioned some of the topics covered by the Pope in his encyclical. For example, the biblical reference to man’s “dominion” of creation does not mean the right to engage in unbridled exploitation to the point of reducing the environment to its current state. In reality, dominion here means that man has to play a role of stewardship and respect.

What is more, without converting the heart to God, “ecology has not chance of succeeding”. The primacy of contemplation allows us “to own things without hoarding them”. This way, we can share them with others and future generations.

Speaking about Saint Francis and his sensibilities, the clergyman said that they are very close to those of today. Citing a life of Saint Francis, he explained that, "When friars cut firewood, he [the saint] does not allow them to cut the whole tree, so that new shoots can sprout.”

Likewise, “He orders that the gardener to leave uncultivated the edges of the garden, so that the green grass and the splendor of the flowers can sing the beauty of the Father of all creation.”

“He also wants the garden to have a flowerbed for fragrant herbs and flowers so that they might remind those who observe them about eternal sweetness.

Equally, “Wherefore he found worms, he would pick them up that they might not be crushed by the feet of passers-by. In winter, he would cause honey or the best wine to be provided for bees that they might not perish from cold.”

This was not done in the name of any ideology but out of a “religious attitude” that has “practical and workable consequences.”

• vatican
• day
• creation
• cantalamessa
• pope
• francis
• saint