The Vatican recently unveiled a new rite for Mass to be known as the “Mass for the Care of Creation.” This initiative illustrates the ongoing commitment of the Roman Catholic Church to environmental advocacy, particularly in the context of climate change. Cardinal Michael Czerny introduced the new Mass at a news conference, emphasizing that it serves as a collective call to nurture and protect nature—our “common home.”
This development builds on the groundwork laid by Pope Francis, whose 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’” established environmental care as a pivotal theme of his leadership. Cardinal Czerny noted the need for a liturgical expression reflecting the core messages of this encyclical, responding to numerous requests for such a celebration within the Church community.
Pope Leo XIV's initiative coincides with his message advocating for an upcoming day of prayer on September 1 for the care of creation. In his message, Leo highlighted the alarming effects of environmental degradation and posited that “environmental justice” has evolved from a theoretical ideal into an urgent necessity. He stressed that this issue encompasses matters of social, economic, and human dignity, asserting the connectedness of all aspects of justice in the fight for our planet's welfare.
With this new Mass, the Church signals a deepened engagement with the ecological crisis, inviting congregations worldwide to unite in prayer and action for environmental resilience and justice.
