The humanitarian crisis and the role of education in the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ and the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum

Abstract

The modern ecological crisis, which profoundly impacts both people and nature, has deeper roots embedded in individuals. The main cause of this is the loss of the vision of creation as a divine gift. Currently, people are more focused on the power associated with technology and science, and see themselves as autonomous creators of their destinies, operating mainly with an instrumental-rational mindset. Pope Francis, by adopting a hermeneutical approach to understanding creation, highlights this central anthropological fallacy that has unpredictable consequences on created reality. The bottom line is that the modern ecological crisis is actually rooted in the crisis of humanity. Following the reflections of Pope Francis in the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ and apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, this essay seeks to highlight the critical points of the contemporary ecological crisis and suggest solutions to escape the labyrinth of human self-sufficiency. One of the solutions emphasized is the need for education to create a responsible, mature and ethical environmental awareness in relation to creation. In the final part of the article, the importance of approaching freedom is highlighted, aligning with human dignity that originates in God, the Creator. Answering the question about why ecological education is important, the conclusion demonstrates that it is the path to true humanity, reflecting the image of God, and that people are called to act responsibly towards creation.