Photo Credit: The Associated Press (AP)
Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Maureen Houlihan, D.C., Nicole Cervone-Gish, M.S., and Michael Cervone, B.S.
Our Planet Earth
Author’s note: This website encourages and informs all people to act with Care for Our Common Home.
Introduction
Who prayed, “Jesus, make my heart more like yours?” It was the grandmother of Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later known as Pope Francis), who taught him this 7-word prayer. The pope died Monday (April 21, 2025) from what the Vatican said, “was a cerebral stroke and heart failure.” He was 88 years old, and was pope since 2013 for 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. It is the opinion of Our Planet Earth that Pope Francis will be recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8.
Since Pope Francis’ death, there have been countless testimonies from leaders throughout the world about him as a man and pope, characterizing him as a pastoral, humble, loving, caring, and devoted shepherd to all God’s children. Eva Fernández, Spanish journalist and author of “El Papa de la Ternura” (“The Pope of Tenderness”), told Our Sunday Visitor News that his actions, whether helping survivors of sex trafficking or comforting prisoners, exemplified his belief in “a revolution of tenderness,” showing a radically compassionate response to human suffering. Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, highlighted Pope Francis’ dedication to serving the marginalized, his embodiment of Christian values, and his significant impact on the world.
Our Planet Earth was first established in 2020 to give support to Pope Francis and his Encyclical Letter entitled On Care for our Common Home, ‘Laudao Si’. Our articles discuss issues about our planet, and what we can do better to keep the air, water, and land clean. Knowing how Pope Francis was an advocate of taking care of the poor, needy, and those less fortunate, we’ve offered many considerations for humankind, especially since global warming is making clear, climate change has much to do with major flooding, droughts, wildfires, medical illnesses, and loss of so many important ecosystems like the arctic ice fields, permafrost, coral reefs, mangrove swamps, tropical forests and degradation of the oceans. Because of these issues, many cities are developing Climate Action Plans which is good, but maybe in addition, we should promote plans for living simpler lives, consuming only what we need, and working on climate repair methods?
Pope Francis’ legacy is multifaceted, but in Laudato Si’ and Laudato Deum, he focused on how man’s activities throughout the world have degraded environments causing many people, especially those poor, to migrate from their homes, e.g., sea level rise has inundated many island communities, forcing evacuations. What will the United States do when the eastern seaboard is inundated which is happening now in Miami, Florida? How can we address the many issues that have happened, and are happening now throughout the world? History tells us that we need to believe what scientists are telling us, and enforce regulations for compliance similar to the many laws that were enacted in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
The cause for our current dilemma is scientifically well-known, and transitioning to renewable fuels along with capturing greenhouse gases will help immensely. A model to follow may be the 1987 Montreal Protocol. It was a landmark international agreement aimed at protecting the Earth's ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like chlorofluorocarbons. It is considered one of the most successful environmental agreements, with nearly 200 countries ratifying it. The Protocol also has significant climate benefits, since many ODSs are also powerful greenhouse gases.
What Can You Do?
- Promote sustainability methods which will help keep the air, water, and land clean.
- Encourage governments to accept ways of protecting countries from war, famine, and damaging the planet.
- Pass strict ordinances to allow for environmentally friendly ways of addressing issues throughout the world.
- Elect only representatives that will truly serve you and who direct their focus on what you love.
- Understand there’s a “tipping point” of no return. We do not want our children to suffer from our mistakes.
YouTube on Pope Francis:
Quote: "As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling." - Pope Francis
Tom Cervone, Ph.D. is the Founder of Our Planet Earth. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee of the Daughters of Charity. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award-winning St. Elizabeth Anne Seton teacher at Holy Spirit. Michael Cervone, BS. is the programmer and designer of Our Planet Earth website. Special thanks also go out to Sister Jean Marie Ballard, OSB for reviewing this article.
Comments may be directed to ourplanetearth.eco@gmail.com, Thank you!