The Pontifical Academy for Life’s General Assembly: Responding to the ‘Polycrisis’ with Pope Francis
By Christopher Wells
In a powerful message to participants in the Pontifical Academy for Life’s General Assembly, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need to reassess our understanding of the cosmos, embrace scientific insights, and bolster global institutions to address the multifaceted ‘polycrisis’ looming over our world.
Sending his message from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 26, the Pope highlighted the plethora of crises gripping our world today, ranging from war and climate change to energy challenges, epidemics, migration issues, and technological advancements. These pressing issues compel us to reflect on the destiny of our planet and our perspectives on it, as the Academy sponsors an international workshop on “The End of the World? Crises, Responsibilities, Hopes.”
In response to these critical questions, Pope Francis urged us to delve deeply into our understanding of the cosmos and the world, urging us to overcome the entrenched resistance to change that plagues both individuals and societies. He lamented missed opportunities to learn from past crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic, that could have sparked transformative shifts in our consciences and societal practices.
The Pope stressed the importance of not remaining stagnant and encouraged us to heed the valuable insights of scientific knowledge. Drawing parallels between the work of the Pontifical Academy and the Synod, where “listening” was a key theme, he cautioned against succumbing to utilitarian and planetary deregulation that often leads to the imposition of dehumanizing laws.
Embracing Hope and Communal Action
In contrast, Pope Francis extolled the potential for new perspectives on the world and evolution to offer glimmers of hope that can propel us towards a more authentic life. This quest for true life, he emphasized, must unfold within a communal framework, necessitating collaborative efforts to tackle the complex global crisis we face.
The Pope expressed apprehension about the diminishing relevance of international bodies, undermined by shortsighted concerns for national interests. He advocated for a renewed focus on strengthening global institutions to ensure the common good, eradicate hunger and poverty, and safeguard fundamental human rights.
By promoting a multilateralism that transcends political fluctuations and self-serving agendas, we can cultivate a stable and effective approach to addressing global challenges. Pope Francis underscored the significance of the Academy’s work within this broader context, expressing gratitude to its members and entrusting them to the intercession of Mary, Seat of Wisdom and Mother of Hope.
