“We are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family.” — Pope Francis

“Respect for creation is of immense consequence,
not least because creation is the beginning
and the foundation of all God’s works.
Its preservation has now become essential
for the pacific coexistence of mankind.
Man’s inhumanity to man has given rise
to numerous threats to peace
and to authentic and integral human development.
Yet no less troubling are the threats arising from the neglect
– if not downright misuse –
of the earth and the natural goods that God has given us.
For this reason, it is imperative that mankind renew
and strengthen that covenant between human beings
and the environment,
which should mirror the creative love of God,
from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying.” – Pope Benedict XVI