The Catholic Church has long emphasized the importance of being good stewards of the Earth, recognizing that creation is a gift from God that requires a responsible and loving care. This is deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition, and has recently been reflected upon by Pope Francis, particularly in his encyclical Laudato Si'.

 

The doctrine of creation asserts that the world is a manifestation of God's goodness and wisdom. As stewards, humans are called to respect and care for His divine handiwork as one of the many ways we, as people of faith, participate in God’s grace and providence.

​

In Catholic theology, stewardship refers to the responsible management and care of God's creation. This concept is grounded in the belief that humans are entrusted with the Earth by God, and are called to nurture, protect, and sustain it. The Book of Genesis establishes this principle in the story of creation, where humanity is given dominion over the Earth to "till and keep” (Genesis 2:15). This stewardship should always be viewed as a partnership with God, ensuring His creation will remain vibrant and fruitful for all generations. 

​

Pope Francis was a vocal advocate of environmental concerns. He encouraged the global community to protect our common home. In his encyclical Laudato Si’, he emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment as all part of God’s creation and our moral imperative to care for the environment. Pope Francis taught “We are not God. The Earth was here before us, and it has been given to us.” (Laudato Si’,2) This statement highlights the humility and gratitude that should guide our approach to environmental stewardship. 

​

Catholic teachings on stewardship call for both personal and collective action. Individually, Catholics are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as conserving water, reducing waste, recycling, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. On a broader scale, the Church advocates for policies that promote environmental justice, protect vulnerable ecosystems, and mitigate climate change. Pope Francis's appeal for "ecological conversion" is a call to reorient our lives and societies toward greater harmony with creation. Furthermore, Catholic social teaching emphasizes the inherent dignity of every person and the principle of solidarity. Environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable, making stewardship a matter of justice and charity. By protecting the environment, we uphold the dignity of all individuals and contribute to the common good.

​

Environmental stewardship challenges us to recognize that practicing our faith includes embracing our interconnectedness with all the Earth, to act as responsible stewards, and to embrace our role as the protectors of God's handiwork. By living out these principles, we contribute to a sustainable and flourishing world for present and future generations.

​

Deacon Chris DePenti 2025