Pope Francis has recently instituted robust climate change mandates in Vatican City, setting a powerful example for political leaders and governments worldwide. These mandates include stringent measures to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices within the tiny sovereign state. By committing to solar energy, Pope Francis aims to transform Vatican City into a model of environmental stewardship. This proactive stance on climate change not only aligns with the Pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si’, which calls for urgent action to protect our planet, but also serves as a moral and practical blueprint for others.
On June 21, 2024, the Pope issued an apostolic letter to the administrators of Vatican City State, authorizing them to carry out the necessary steps to transition the 110 acres it controls and bring its city-state in line with Laudato Si’. In his letter, he orders the building of a solar power plant, called an agrivoltaic plant, to provide all the energy needed to sustain the Vatican City State. Basically, Rome is transitioning away from fossil fuels by papal decree.
In the title of his apostolic letter, Pope Francis refers to the sun as Brother Sun, signifying the pantheistic heresy that emphasizes that humans and the natural world are part of one interconnected family. The Pope’s letter, Fratello Sole, says:
• “With the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ on the care of our common home of 24 May 2015, I invited all humanity to become aware of the need to make changes to their lifestyles, production and consumption, in order to counteract global warming and the global economy which sees, among its main causes, the pervasive use of fossil fuels.” [1]
• “We need to make a transition towards a sustainable development model that reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, setting the objective of climate neutrality.” [1]
• “Therefore I entrust to you, dear Brothers, in your respective capacities as President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State and President of the Administration of the Heritage of the Apostolic See, the task of building an agrivoltaic plant located within the extraterritorial area of Santa Maria di Galeria which ensures not only the electrical supply of the radio station existing there, but also the complete energy sustenance of the Vatican City State.” [1]
• “Finally, I order that the Secretariat of State facilitate every request.” [1]
Laudato Si’ is the Jesuit agenda for the world to follow and Fratello Sole (Brother Sun) is the papal decree mandating that Laudato Si’ is followed. The Pope just issued an order to compel Vatican City State to conform to his wishes. Pope Francis’ leadership highlights the critical intersection of faith, morality, and environmental responsibility, urging other politicians and government leaders to recognize their duty to combat climate change.
In Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, both Sunday and the Eucharist hold significant importance in conveying his climate message. Sunday, as a day of rest, invites people to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of creation, fostering a deeper sense of gratitude and responsibility towards the environment. The Pope also presents the Eucharist as a celebration to unite ourselves with God and others in order to heal our relationships. Pope Francis emphasizes that true ecological conversion must be rooted in a profound spiritual awakening and commitment, making Sunday and the Eucharist pivotal in nurturing a culture of care and stewardship for the planet.
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“Brother Sun”?…..Old Fashioned Pagan Sun Worship on Display.
In a near future:
“As stewards, we have the reponsability to protect our planet. Fossil fuel are polluting our planet rapidly. Being aware of that, the GC committee has recommended that every single church building most change to any renewable energy source, for example solar power. Church leaders most meet with local treasurers to find resources on that behalf. God bless all”
Sincerely:
Ted Wilson
Ganune Diop
Timothy Aka
(and all other jesuits trained leaders)
Why would our church leaders join Pope Francis and “Brother Sun” in ecumenism?
The phrase “Fratello Sole” comes from Saint Z Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Brother Sun. Why the overlaying of pantheism upon this title? To care for the earth is to honor the God who has created and offered it as gift.