Laudato Si' As a Guideline for Ecological Repentance

Abstrak

Ecological degradation has become one of the most pressing global challenges, as evidenced by increasing air pollution, deforestation, climate change, and excessive waste production. This article examines contemporary ecological issues in the light of Laudato Si', Pope Francis' encyclical on care for our common home, and explores how its principles can serve as a framework for ecological repentance. Drawing on recent environmental data and examples of sustainability initiatives, the article highlights the relationship between human activities, environmental degradation, and the urgent need for ecological responsibility. It argues that the growing awareness of renewable energy, waste reduction, forest conservation, and sustainable lifestyles reflects a gradual transformation in human attitudes toward the environment. Furthermore, the seven goals of the Laudato Si' Action Platform provide a comprehensive moral and practical foundation for responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor through ecological economics, environmental education, ecological spirituality, community engagement, and the adoption of sustainable lifestyles. The article concludes that ecological repentance is not merely an acknowledgment of environmental damage but a continuous commitment to restoring the relationship between humanity, nature, and God through concrete actions that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable development.