Pope while leading a special Liturgy of the Word in St Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday marking the Catholic Church’s first Day of Prayer for Creation called on Christians and the world populace to work and pray.
Pope Francis urged Catholics around the world to contribute to environmental crisis solutions facing the planet by organizing their own prayer and practical initiatives to mark the new celebration.
Last month the Pope wrote to Cardinal Peter Turkson, head of the Vatican’s Justice and Peace Council to announce his intention of instituting an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation within the Catholic Church.
He the Day will offer individual believers and communities an opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, thank God for the wonderful handiwork and implore help for the protection of creation and pardon for the sins committed against the world.
The World Council of Churches also marked a month-long ‘Time for Creation’ stretching from September 1 to the feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4.