Pope Francis' September Prayer Intention: The Cry Of The Earth & More

Is the Earth truly calling out, and if so, are we listening? Pope Francis, in a powerful September prayer intention, urges the faithful to heed "the cry of the earth," signaling a critical moment for reflection and action.

As the calendar turns to September 2024, the focus of Pope Francis and the worldwide Catholic community sharpens on the pressing issue of environmental stewardship and the urgent need for climate action. In a video released in August, the pontiff implored believers to pray for "the cry of the earth." This call to prayer aligns with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1st, marking the commencement of a month dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and responsibility. The Holy Father's intention echoes his deep-seated concern for the planet, a concern he has consistently voiced throughout his papacy, most notably in his encyclical letter "Laudato Si'."

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Born	December 17, 1936 (age 87), Buenos Aires, Argentina
Title	Pope of the Catholic Church, Bishop of Rome, Sovereign of Vatican City
Religious Order	Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Ordained as Priest	December 13, 1969
Ordained as Bishop	June 27, 1992
Elected Pope	March 13, 2013
Previous Positions	Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal (2001-2013)
Key Writings	Laudato Si' (Encyclical on the environment), Fratelli Tutti (Encyclical on fraternity and social friendship)
Notable Initiatives	Emphasis on social justice, care for the poor and marginalized, environmental advocacy, reform of the Vatican Curia
Website Reference	Vatican Website

This September initiative isn't isolated. It's part of a broader series of monthly prayer intentions the Pope releases, promoted through the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network. This network disseminates short videos featuring the Pope, inviting people to pray for a specific cause each month. In January 2024, Pope Francis declared the year a year of prayer in preparation for the upcoming Jubilee in 2025, calling on the faithful to intensify their prayers.

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The Holy Fathers concern, in his prayer intention for September, extends beyond mere environmental issues. He underscores the importance of heeding the voices of the vulnerable, specifically those "on the margins of society." These include individuals facing poverty, addiction, mental illness, and disability. His call is a plea to recognize their existence and to ensure they are not overlooked by institutions or society as a whole.

The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, which prepares the monthly video, emphasizes that the September intention is consistent with Pope Franciss long-standing encouragement of a simpler lifestyle. His concern for the environment, powerfully articulated in "Laudato Si'," is particularly relevant during times of global uncertainty, such as the ongoing challenges faced in many communities. The pontiff frequently encourages the faithful to take these intentions to heart, including the act of offering up mass for Pope Francis' health and his intentions.

Its not the first time Pope Francis has focused on these issues. In his 2022 prayer intention for September, for example, he called for the abolition of the death penalty worldwide. The upcoming Jubilee year will also be a time for reflection and action, as announced at his Sunday Angelus on January 21. He urged people to intensify their prayers, preparing them to "live this event of grace well, and to experience the strength of God's hope".

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The Popes intentions are more than just sentiments; they represent a call to action. The September focus on "the cry of the earth" highlights the intersection of environmental issues and social justice. It is a recognition that environmental degradation disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable populations. Pope Francis reminds the faithful that caring for the environment is a moral imperative, urging everyone to personally take care of the world we live in. This call to action challenges individuals and institutions to examine their practices and advocate for policies that protect the planet and its inhabitants.

The prayer intentions for the upcoming year, including 2025, have already been released by the Popes Worldwide Prayer Network, preparing the faithful for the year ahead. The intentions, entrusted to the network after prayer and discernment, are translated into multiple languages and distributed in both print and digital formats, ensuring that the Popes message reaches a global audience. These intentions serve as a guide to help shape individual and collective actions.

The cry of the earth, as highlighted by Pope Francis, is not a solitary sound. It encompasses the suffering of those impacted by natural disasters and climate change. It encompasses all the marginalized and those living in subhuman conditions. This months intention, in conjunction with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, acts as a focal point for addressing these issues. Pope Francis urges individuals and institutions to undertake personal care for the world we inhabit, creating a movement of faith into action.

The Pope's message resonates with growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation, and it underscores the importance of listening to the scientific warnings and the voices of those most affected by the planet's crisis. It prompts each person to evaluate their footprint on the planet and to consider how they might positively contribute to its restoration. It inspires the hope that the Jubilee year will see this message amplified, leading to a more just and sustainable future for all.