"God gave us the earth 'to till and to keep' in a balanced and respectful way," Francis said. Officials said the call was the logical extension of Francis' landmark and controversial ecological encyclical issued last year. In the message, Francis said the faithful should use the holy year to ask forgiveness for the "sins" against the environment that have been committed by the "irresponsible, selfish" and profit-motivated economic and political system. Pope Francis spoke out against the 'irresponsible and selfish' economic and political systems that have damaged the environment. Finally, he proposed that caring for the environment be added as a "complement" to the seven spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Source: CBC News September 01, 2016 15:23 UTC