SAGINAW — "I look forward to prayerfully reading and studying Pope Francis' Encyclical on the environment," said the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw. "In his short time as leader of our Church, Pope Francis has shown great wisdom and insight into many of the complex issues we face today. On this specific issue, our Holy Father reminds us of the Church's social doctrine, and of our responsibility to care not only for one another, but for all of God's creation."
Bishop Cistone serves on the Board of Directors for Catholic Relief Services, a humanitarian organization which assists the poor and vulnerable overseas. He has witnessed firsthand the struggles of those living in areas such as Central America and West Africa where environmental challenges have dramatically impacted the quality of life. On the occasion of Pope Francis' Encyclical, On Care for Our Common House, Bishop Cistone encourages all the faithful to read the entire letter with open hearts, so they may gain the fullest understanding of the Holy Father's perspective. In particular, the connection His Holiness makes between respect for human dignity and care for the natural world.
"I welcome this teaching and I applaud Pope Francis for calling us all to a deeper awareness regarding our own choices and decisions, and how our lifestyles impact the poor and vulnerable among us," Bishop Cistone said.