Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment to be released June 18

By
Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
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731

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Sii” (Praised Be), a line from St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of Creatures,” will be released June 18, the Vatican press office announced.

The name of Pope Francis' forthcoming encyclical on the environment "Laudato Sii," (Praised Be) takes its name from the St. Francis of Assisi prayer "Canticle of Creatures." St. Francis of Assisi is depicted in this detail from "Madonna Enthroned with the Child, St. Francis and four Angels," a fresco executed by Giovanni Cimabue between 1278-80, in the lower church of the Basilica of St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, Italy.(CNS photo/Octavio Duran)
The name of Pope Francis’ forthcoming encyclical on the environment “Laudato Sii,” (Praised Be) takes its name from the St. Francis of Assisi prayer “Canticle of Creatures.” St. Francis of Assisi is depicted in this detail from “Madonna Enthroned with the Child, St. Francis and four Angels,” a fresco executed by Giovanni Cimabue between 1278-80, in the lower church of the Basilica of St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, Italy.(CNS photo/Octavio Duran)

“The date foreseen for the publication of the encyclical of the pope is Thursday, June 18,” said the statement released June 4.

The head of the Vatican publishing house, Salesian Father Giuseppe Costa, had told reporters in Naples May 30 that publishers from around the world had been asking for the rights to reprint “Laudato Sii” when it is released in mid-June.

“Laudato sii” is the introductory phrase to eight verses of St. Francis of Assisi’s famous prayer thanking God for the gifts of creation.

“Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom you give us light,” one of the first lines says.

The prayer also praises God for the gifts of “Sister Moon,” “Brother Wind,” “Sister Water,” “Brother Fire” and “Sister Mother Earth.”

 

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