10/09/2026
PUSO NG PAROKYA
September 11, 2026
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POPE LEO XIV: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE IN CARING FOR CREATION
Message to the Austrian World Summit - June 16, 2026
Pope Leo XIV reminds us that the environmental crisis is not simply a problem of climate, pollution, flooding, or natural disasters. It is also a moral and spiritual issue.
How we treat God’s creation reflects how we understand our responsibility toward God, toward other people, and toward future generations.
He invites us to look at the care of creation through three Christian virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love.
1. FAITH — CREATION IS GOD’S GIFT
As Christians, we believe that the world is created by God and is inherently good. Therefore, caring for creation is not optional or secondary to our Christian life. It is part of our responsibility as God’s children and stewards.
If we truly believe that creation is God’s gift, we cannot simply use it carelessly, waste it, or destroy it.
Our faith also reminds us that every human person has dignity and value, especially the poor and vulnerable. Environmental destruction often affects them the most. When communities suffer from floods, droughts, pollution, extreme heat, or loss of livelihood, it is often the poorest who suffer first and most.
Therefore, caring for creation is also caring for people.
2. HOPE — WE CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The environmental crisis can sometimes make us feel helpless. The problems are so big that we may think, "What can I possibly do?"
Pope Leo reminds us not to give in to fear or discouragement. Hope gives us the courage to act.
The solution requires cooperation among nations, governments, businesses, communities, families and individuals. But change does not happen only through big international decisions. It also begins with people who are willing to change the way they live and care for the world around them.
As Christians, we believe that hope comes from God. Therefore, we should not be cynical or say, "Nothing will ever change." Instead, we ask: "What can I do, together with others, to make God’s creation better rather than worse?"
3. LOVE — CREATE A CULTURE OF CARE
Finally, Pope Leo speaks about love. Caring for creation is an expression of love — not only for God, but also for our neighbors, our communities, the poor, and generations who will come after us.
This love begins with small everyday actions: avoiding waste, conserving water and electricity, reducing unnecessary consumption, keeping our surroundings clean, planting trees, and respecting nature.
But Pope Leo reminds us that love should also lead to bigger actions and strategies. We cannot simply say, "I am doing my part," while ignoring problems affecting our communities.
We need to build what Pope Francis called a "culture of care" — a society where caring for people and creation becomes part of how we live, make decisions and serve others.
REFLECTION:
FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE FOR CREATION
Caring for creation is more than protecting the environment — it is an expression of our faith, hope, and love.
Faith reminds us that creation is God’s gift, entrusted to us as stewards.
Hope gives us courage to believe that even our small actions can contribute to meaningful change.
Love moves us to care not only for nature, but especially for the poor, vulnerable, and future generations who will inherit the world we leave behind.
We do not need to solve every environmental problem by ourselves. We simply need to begin where God has placed us — with small, faithful, and consistent acts of care.
ACT
First Step: Awareness and a Simple Change in Habit
The first step is awareness. We can make this a regular reminder in our community—before or after Mass, during announcements, or through posters and social media.
We can remind everyone that caring for creation begins with our daily choices, even with something as simple as bringing an eco bag when we go shopping.
I have observed that after Mass, some people buy fruits, vegetables, or other items from nearby vendors. For convenience, plastic bags are often used and then immediately thrown away. These small actions may seem harmless, but when repeated by many people every day, they contribute significantly to the growing amount of plastic waste in our community.
A Simple Reminder:
“Before you leave home, remember your eco bag.”
Let us make bringing an eco bag a habit—not only when going to the supermarket, but also when buying fruits, vegetables, snacks, or other items after Mass.
Bring it. Use it. Reuse it.
Reducing plastic waste does not always require a big program. Sometimes, it begins with a small habit practiced consistently by many people.
Care for Creation begins with us—and it can begin with one eco bag.
May our stewardship become faith in action:
loving God by caring for His creation,
loving our neighbor by protecting our common home,
and leaving a better world for those who come after us.
By:
Joel Dayao
President - Missio Amare and Couples For Christ Regional Head - CFC North Europe (NORDIC) Region
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