In his apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (‘Praise God’), Pope Francis addresses environmental concerns in the world with the respect to human life and dignity. This follow-up to his encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home looks at what has happened since 2015 when the encyclical was released and what still needs to be done.

Pope Francis expounds upon the theme of human ecology presented in Laudato Si’ and the idea that humans and the environment are inextricably intertwined. This new document focuses in particular on the most recent extreme weather events and catastrophes affecting people across five continents. The Holy Father urges greater environmental action and notes how environmental degradation can lead to human degradation, especially in how the poor and marginalized are treated.

Laudate Deum was released on October 4, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the pope’s namesake whose words open Laudato Si’.