Announcing the publication of a major new book by IOEC Director Marybeth Lorbiecki.
Following St. Francis: John Paul II’s Call for Ecological Action (Rizzoli, 2014) is the first book to explore the visionary sermons, encyclicals, and other writings by Pope John Paul II in his heartfelt and scripturally-grounded defense of the Earth. Long before others recognized the role of faith in environmental protection, John Paul II laid the foundation for groups like the IOEC to bring together religious communities in service of a healthier, more just and more beautiful planet.
Following St. Francis: John Paul II’s Call for Ecological Action (Rizzoli, 2014) is the first book to explore the visionary sermons, encyclicals, and other writings by Pope John Paul II in his heartfelt and scripturally-grounded defense of the Earth. Long before others recognized the role of faith in environmental protection, John Paul II laid the foundation for groups like the IOEC to bring together religious communities in service of a healthier, more just and more beautiful planet.
Director Lorbiecki devoted over a decade to collecting the pope’s most significant environmental writings, and her book gracefully interweaves passages from his works with passages from Scripture and excerpts from Patriarch Bartholomew, Gandhi, Aldo Leopold, and other leading thinkers and ethicists. She draws careful connections between John Paul II’s views and those of St. Francis of Assisi—patron saint of ecology—and of Pope Francis. While based in strong scholarship, Lorbiecki writes engages readers from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds, whether familiar with Catholic teachings or not, through vivid stories and accessible language.
Especially relevant to IOEC supporters will be sections on how the late pope viewed ocean-related issues such as climate change, biodiversity declines, wasteful fishing practices, clean water scarcity, and the connections between poverty and ecological responsibility. While replete with articulate warnings about the consequences of human action, the book provides uplifting words to urge and to guide fundamental change.
This powerful book will reawaken readers to a message Pope John Paull II often reminded us, “As I have said before: Protect the world, the beautiful endangered world.”
“Lorbiecki provides a wonderful connection Franciscan spirituality and Pope John Paul II’s call to care for all of God’s creation. She not only explains why we are called to action but offers clear examples of how to accomplish it.” ~ Patrick Carolan, executive director of the Franciscan Action Network.
This powerful book will reawaken readers to a message Pope John Paull II often reminded us, “As I have said before: Protect the world, the beautiful endangered world.”
“Lorbiecki provides a wonderful connection Franciscan spirituality and Pope John Paul II’s call to care for all of God’s creation. She not only explains why we are called to action but offers clear examples of how to accomplish it.” ~ Patrick Carolan, executive director of the Franciscan Action Network.
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