A PRAYER FOR OUR PLANET
Composed by Pope Francis

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen.

Friday marked the 46th celebration of Earth Day – a day when we celebrate the beauty of this planet we call home. It is also the day when we are reminded of what we take for granted.

On Earth Day and everyday, Pope Francis calls on us to remember that we are all connected and that we have a shared responsibility for caring for our planet and each other.

It’s the only earth we have – let’s celebrate it by caring for it. Please join us as we follow the Holy Father’s example to pray for our planet.