The encyclical letter Laudato Si is available here on the Vatican website. Pope Francis links the experience of the Babylonian Exile and the Roman persecution. Each was a time for believers to reflect more deeply when the world offered antagonism.
74. The experience of the Babylonian captivity provoked a spiritual crisis which led to deeper faith in God. Now his creative omnipotence was given pride of place in order to exhort the people to regain their hope in the midst of their wretched predicament. Centuries later, in another age of trial and persecution, when the Roman Empire was seeking to impose absolute dominion, the faithful would once again find consolation and hope in a growing trust in the all-powerful God: “Great and wonderful are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways!” (Rev 15:3). The God who created the universe out of nothing can also intervene in this world and overcome every form of evil. Injustice is not invincible.
What has this to do with the environment? God possesses the ultimate power. Believer-activists can take heart that no matter how discouraging the situation seems, there is reason for hope. And perhaps for those who manipulate and dominate, if there is a seed of faith within, there’s a warning that human power will ultimately fade before divine invincibility.
Catholic Sensibility 