Frequently Asked Questions about the Laudato Si’ Pledge

What is the Pledge all about?

We need an urgent and holistic response to the climate change crisis, that includes each of us embracing care for creation in our spiritual lives, taking steps to change our own lifestyle, and pushing for change in our society. Anyone taking this pledge commits to doing those three things in the spirit of Laudato Si’.

What do I have to do if I sign the Pledge?

The Laudato Si’ pledge states that the signer will “pray for and with creation, live more simply, and advocate to protect our common home.” We have resources to help suggest different ways to accomplish those three things, but we only ask that the signers commit to doing those in whatever way works best for them as an individual, family or parish. While there is no “requirement” as part of this pledge, we hope that anyone who signs it will also encourage others to sign the pledge and look for ways to become more engaged around care for creation in your parish and community as well.

Who else has signed the Pledge?

The Pledge is being signed by Catholics around the world. We hope to engage 1 million Catholics by 2020. For now, we know that individuals, families, parishes, and Catholic organizations around the world are signing the Pledge. It’s also been signed and endorsed by all of the Bishops in the Philippines, Cardinal Cupich of Chicago, Fr. Richard Rohr, Christiana Figueres, one of the climate negotiators, and many others.

Why should I sign/care about climate change?

We are already seeing the effects of climate change-2016 was the hottest year on record, 2015 was the hottest year before that, and 2014 the hottest year before that. Severe droughts, severe storms and sea level rise are causing people around the world to have to flee their homes. Additionally, Laudato Si’ has called for “ecological conversion”, and highlighted that care for creation is an essential part of our Catholic teaching, adding to previous statements from Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict. We need to care about climate change and act on it as “responsible citizens and followers of Christ” as Pope Francis has said.

What does signing this Pledge really do?

Signing the pledge shows that you are standing with millions of other Catholics to take action on climate change. Taking the actions to pray with and for creation, live more simply, and advocate to protect our common home will make a huge difference. Praying places us in solidarity with others around the world, and makes us more aware of God’s presence in creation. Millions of individuals changing their lifestyle can add up to make a huge dent in carbon emissions, and lead to societal change as well. Advocacy will lead to the needed policy change—not only at the national level, but in cities and states as well. These local areas are where decisions like including bike lanes or funding public transport, or supporting tax incentives solar and other forms of renewable energy, are made, and why we need people engaged in our community. You can do this on your own, but by signing the pledge you’ll be sent additional suggestions and resources and, even more important, join a community of others trying to make these changes as well.

Who is the Global Catholic Climate Movement?

The Global Catholic Climate Movement is made up Catholics around the world committed to living Laudato Si’ and standing up for our common home. We are made up of over 400 Catholic organizational partners and the thousands of individuals who feel called by their faith to respond to and raise awareness about climate change.

Sign the Laudato Si’ Pledge