Bishop on Laudate Deum: Future generations must not suffer because of our negligence

Reflecting on Laudate Deum, Pope Francis’ second document about the climate crisis, a bishop said that future generations must not suffer because of the environmental negligence and misdeeds of the current generation.

“We may reach a point where, no matter how much we try, we are not going to bring back normalcy,” said Bombay Auxiliary Bishop Allwyn D’Silva during a webinar organized by the Laudato Si’ Movement on October 20.

Bishop D’Silva, who also serves in the Office for Human Development of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), said that the Holy Father’s document is an urgent call to secure a better tomorrow for the young people of today and reverse the effect of the climate crisis before reaching “a point of no return.”

The bishop reminded everyone that the climate crisis has a more serious effect on poor and vulnerable people, who consume only a few natural resources, than on the rich and powerful, who actually consume a huge amount.

Therefore, he called to “rethink our technological process” to ensure that every increase in power truly represents progress for humanity.

Bishop D’Silva also underlined the need for a “consultative approach” and multilateral agreements between states regarding environmental preservation free from vested interests.

He shared with the pope’s frustrations about the many resolutions created during the past Conference of Parties (COP) due to the lack of implementation and sanction.

Bishop D’Silva also joins the Holy Father in staying hopeful for the upcoming COP 28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is expected to achieve “binding forms of energy transition” that are “drastic, intense, and count on the commitment of all.”

Turning his focus to Asia and Oceania, the bishop said the transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources is slowly becoming a reality in this region.

He also noted how Pope Francis took notice of the deep spirituality of Asian countries, which can serve as their unique contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.

“We have a very deep inner being that responds to the presence of God in the whole universe,” he said.

Despite this, Bishop D’Silva revealed that Laudate Deum did not include any quotes from the FABC.

“We have had multiple conferences, and last year we had the FABC 50 document, which mentions climate emergencies, [but it was not] mentioned.”

Nevertheless, the bishop shared that the Archdiocese of Bombay is actively instilling an “ecological sense” in each parish and encourages every Catholic to do their part in doing the same. - Luke Godoy