by Weena Kowitwanij

​Fr Pichate Saengtian teaches in Bangkok’s seminary. For the pope, humans are part of the environment. “The pope wants to tackle the climate problem in a holistic way,” he said. This requires “an inner conversion” and “sincere gratitude to God".

Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’ is first and foremost a call to action, this according to Fr Pichate Saengtian SJ, who teaches at the major seminary in Bangkok.

Speaking to AsiaNews about the papal document released in June 2015, which is also available in Thai, the Thai Jesuit said, “We must act now! All we have to do is change our attitude now. Pope Francis stressed that even a small change can have major effects."

The clergyman’s first observation is about the notion we have about ourselves as humans. Pope Francis explained that humanity sees itself as being at the centre of the universe, viewing all that is not human (animal, natural resources, etc.) as at its disposal. According to the pope, this notion has led to today's ecological crisis.

A key point in the encyclical is the fact "humans are seen as part of the environment." This raises an important question, namely, “Thinking about our irresponsible past behaviour towards God's creatures, what behaviour should we change to improve the world, our common home?"

For Fr Saengtian, the first thing to do is "not value only what is beneficial to humans." Humans and the environment cannot be seen as separate.

What is more, "the destruction of the environment hurts the poor the most." Thus, protecting the environment also means protecting the weaker sections of society.

"The pope wants to tackle the climate problem in a holistic way,” the clergyman said, “solving the problem of poverty and the environment. We cannot save the environment by exploiting the poor."

Sadly, the "culture of waste", which the pope has criticised, "is becoming more pervasive in people's lives.

For Fr Saengtian, “This is a sign that the problem has deep roots in the human heart, has turned into cultural and moral relativism. Everything that people do, they do it for their own interests, without consideration for God’s creatures and the next generation."

To counter this alarming situation, we must "revise our own daily routine,” the Jesuit said, “choosing to do the things that have less impact on other creatures.”

“Catholic theology tells us that God ordered man to take care of all His creatures,” he noted. “This personal command can only come from an inner conversion, from sincere gratitude to God for all his gifts."

• thailand
• laudato
• si’
• humans
• animals