Vatican Introduces New Mass for Environmental Stewardship

In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has introduced a new rite focused on environmental protection, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

The Vatican has announced a new Mass focused on the theme of environmental stewardship, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the Roman Catholic Church to the care of creation. Officially titled “Mass for the Care of Creation,” the rite was made public just a day after Pope Leo XIV expressed his environmental concerns in a message supporting a day of prayer dedicated to this cause, scheduled for September 1.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, at a press conference on Thursday, emphasized the importance of the new Mass, stating, “With this Mass, the Church is offering liturgical, spiritual and communal support for the care we all need to exercise over nature, our common home.” The development of this rite draws inspiration from Pope Francis' encyclical “Laudato Si’,” released in 2015, which highlighted the moral necessity of addressing environmental degradation.

In his recent message, Pope Leo articulated the urgent need for "environmental justice," emphasizing that it transcends mere environmental protection and encompasses a broader spectrum of social and economic concerns. “Our earth is being ravaged,” he warned, which signals the need for immediate action and commitment towards sustainability.

The initiative for this new Mass began during Pope Francis's tenure, showcasing his dedication to integrating environmental issues into the church's mission. Cardinal Czerny mentioned that there were numerous requests for a liturgical expression of the themes found in “Laudato Si’,” leading to the development of this new rite. The Vatican’s ongoing efforts reflect a deeper engagement with global environmental challenges amidst a growing awareness of their implications for humanity.