The Vatican has introduced a Mass focused on environmental stewardship, highlighting current ecological crises and urging action from the global community.
Vatican Unveils New Mass Dedicated to Environmental Care
Vatican Unveils New Mass Dedicated to Environmental Care
The new rite reflects Pope Leo XIV's commitment to eco-conscious spirituality, following the legacy of his predecessor.
The Vatican announced on Thursday the release of a new Mass titled "Mass for the Care of Creation," aimed at inspiring the faithful to seek divine assistance in preserving the environment. This initiative marks a continuation of the Roman Catholic Church's dedication to climate issues, which was significantly emphasized during Pope Francis' papacy with his influential 2015 encyclical, "Laudato Si’" or "Praise Be To You."
Pope Leo XIV, who authorized this new rite, expressed a clear intent to uphold and advance the environmental mission initiated by his predecessor. “With this Mass, the Church provides spiritual and communal support for the shared responsibility we all have towards nature, our common home,” stated Cardinal Michael Czerny during a Vatican news conference.
The introduction of the Mass comes on the heels of Pope Leo's recent environmental message for an annual day of prayer set for September 1, where he spotlighted the ongoing environmental crisis. "The evidence of our planet’s distress is evident in various regions. Thus, the concept of environmental justice has shifted from an abstract notion to an immediate necessity," he wrote. He outlined that this urgency encompasses broader social, economic, and human facets of justice.
This new rite was conceived in response to the heightened desire among the faithful to incorporate liturgical expressions of "Laudato Si’” into their worship practices, as remarked by Cardinal Czerny. The Vatican aims for this Mass to serve as a vehicle for promoting environmental consciousness and encouraging proactive engagement with ecological issues throughout the global community.
Pope Leo XIV, who authorized this new rite, expressed a clear intent to uphold and advance the environmental mission initiated by his predecessor. “With this Mass, the Church provides spiritual and communal support for the shared responsibility we all have towards nature, our common home,” stated Cardinal Michael Czerny during a Vatican news conference.
The introduction of the Mass comes on the heels of Pope Leo's recent environmental message for an annual day of prayer set for September 1, where he spotlighted the ongoing environmental crisis. "The evidence of our planet’s distress is evident in various regions. Thus, the concept of environmental justice has shifted from an abstract notion to an immediate necessity," he wrote. He outlined that this urgency encompasses broader social, economic, and human facets of justice.
This new rite was conceived in response to the heightened desire among the faithful to incorporate liturgical expressions of "Laudato Si’” into their worship practices, as remarked by Cardinal Czerny. The Vatican aims for this Mass to serve as a vehicle for promoting environmental consciousness and encouraging proactive engagement with ecological issues throughout the global community.
