In today’s world, environmental concerns are more pressing than ever. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution threaten our planet and the communities that rely on it. For Catholics who care about protecting God’s creation, the need for a response is not just a matter of stewardship but also of moral obligation and an important part of our faith. One such powerful source of inspiration is Pope Francis’ recent encyclical “Dilexit Nos,” which calls us to deepen our understanding of God’s love and to reflect that love in our care for creation.
Published Oct. 24, 2024, this encyclical is rooted in the Holy Father’s vision of how the love of Christ should inform our actions, especially when it comes to environmental justice. Through Dilexit Nos, Catholics are reminded that caring for creation is not just a political issue or a scientific one — it is at the heart of the Gospel.
“Dilexit Nos,” which translates to “He Loved Us,” draws from the deep theological foundation of God’s love for humanity and creation. In this encyclical, Pope Francis calls on Catholics to understand that the love of Christ extends not only to individuals but also to the world God created. Pope Francis stresses that creation is not separate from God’s love — it is a reflection of that love, and as such, it is sacred and deserving of our care.
“…We should make a great effort to learn the following lesson, also taught by Christ: ‘Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.’ We should remember that he himself said that by gentleness, we inherit the earth. …” (DN, #191)
Pope Francis reminds us that the ecological crisis is, above all, a crisis of love. This encyclical calls us to renew our commitment to seeing all of creation as an expression of God’s love, which challenges us to become better caretakers of the earth.
While Pope Francis has long spoken about the need for ecological responsibility — most notably in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ — Dilexit Nos goes a step further by emphasizing how love motivates care for creation. It introduces a vision of stewardship that is not about domination or management but about relationships. Catholics are encouraged to think of their interaction with the environment not as a transaction but as a deep, nurturing relationship that mirrors the love Christ has for us.
Instead of seeing the environment as something to be used or controlled, the Pope challenges us to see it as something to be cared for, protected, and loved. In practical terms, this means that we are not simply trying to reduce our carbon footprint or prevent deforestation out of fear of a catastrophic future. We are doing these things because we are called to love — and in loving creation, we honor the Creator.
“We see, then, that in the heart of each person, there is a mysterious connection between self-knowledge and openness to others, between the encounter with one’s personal uniqueness and the willingness to give oneself to others. We become ourselves only to the extent that we acquire the ability to acknowledge others, while only those who can acknowledge and accept themselves are then able to encounter others.” (DN, #18)
Pope Francis makes it clear that the degradation of the environment disproportionately impacts the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable. This is where Catholics can play a critical role: in highlighting the connection between social justice and environmental care, as Catholic Social Teaching calls us to do.
This encyclical encourages Catholics to advocate for policies that protect the poor, the vulnerable, and the earth, recognizing that environmental destruction often exacerbates poverty, while the effects of climate change disproportionately affect communities with the least resources to adapt. Many Catholics have long worked to bridge this gap, and “Dilexit Nos” provides a robust theological framework to continue these efforts, grounded in the love that Christ demonstrated through his care for the poor.
The ecological crisis can feel overwhelming, and the challenges we face are immense. Yet, “Dilexit Nos” offers a vision of hope — a vision grounded in love. Love for creation. Love for the vulnerable and marginalized. Love for the future generations who will inherit this world and our ancestors who tended it. This love propels us forward in our work as Catholics, reminding us that we are not alone in this mission. Christ is with us, and his love empowers us to protect and heal the earth.
