Laudato Si’: A Young Person’s Call to Care for Creation

“Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us…” These words from Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’ are more than a poetic line. They are a powerful reminder that Earth is not a commodity but a living sister and nurturing mother, wounded and abandoned by human exploitation. Pope Francis uses this personification to awaken our spiritual imagination and call attention to the harm we continue to inflict—through overconsumption, pollution, and disregard for creation’s intrinsic value.

The Pope’s letter is not merely an environmental document—it is a moral and spiritual appeal. He invites us to see all of creation, not in terms of utility, but as ends in themselves, creatures that give praise to God by their very existence. Each tree, river, animal, and grain of soil reflects God’s infinite wisdom. As a young person of faith, this message resonates deeply. Laudato Si’ shapes how I see the world around me. Nature is not separate from us; it is part of us. Every element—air, water, soil, light—is a sign of God’s presence, and caring for them is an act of worship.

For me, this encyclical is not abstract. It translates into daily choices and community engagement. In India, where I live, we celebrate Vanamahotsava, the Festival of Trees, every July—a time when communities plant trees and reflect on the importance of forests and biodiversity. In my village, agriculture is a way of life, and people maintain a close bond with the land, animals, and water sources. There’s a deep understanding that we must live with nature, not above it. Personally, I avoid littering, care for all life forms equally, and join cleanliness and awareness drives related to environmental protection and hygiene.

The encyclical inspires a kind of global ecological conversion—a call to rethink how we live, consume, and relate to the world around us. Pope Francis reminds us that if God, the Creator, cares even for the sparrows and lilies of the field, then we too must reflect that compassion in our actions. It’s a strong question to ask ourselves: if God shows such care, why can’t we?

There are changes I hope to see in my Church and community—starting with avoiding litter, treating all of creation with respect, and committing to sustainable living using the resources we have. If every human deserves dignity and equality, so does the environment, which literally gives us breath, food, and shelter. Laudato Si’ warns us not to fall into extreme anthropocentrism, but neither should we swing to biocentrism in ways that ignore human dignity. We must find balance—a relationship of mutual care and reverence.

Youth can and must lead this transformation. We are the generation that can model eco-conversion by rejecting single-use plastics, minimizing water and energy waste, reusing and repairing, and choosing sustainable lifestyles. We can also lead through our digital presence—launching social media challenges during Laudato Si’ Week, sharing videos, joining webinars, and writing reflections like this one. Locally, we can organize tree planting, support eco-friendly markets, hold prayer walks, and build coalitions with other faith groups for greater impact.

Of course, change begins with small, everyday decisions: using reusable water bottles, turning off lights, reducing food waste, and avoiding overconsumption. These might seem like little things, but together, they form a culture of care. In today’s fast-moving world, Laudato Si’ urges us to slow down—to pay attention to what we consume, what we discard, and what we value.

Ultimately, Laudato Si’ is not just about the environment. It’s about the heart. It’s about glorifying God by caring for all He has made. Pope Francis reminds us through his life and teachings that living simply, humbly, and lovingly is one of the greatest forms of praise. To harm creation is to harm ourselves. To protect it is to honor our Creator. This is the mission we, as young people of faith, are called to embrace.