On October 2, Neumann University will host a program that highlights the impacts of climate change on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, and offers concrete ways that individuals and communities can respond. Entitled From St. Francis to Pope Francis to You! Creating a Climate for Solidarity, the 90-minute multimedia presentation and discussion is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in the McNichol Room of the Bruder Life Center.

Hundreds of Catholic parishes, schools, and colleges will show this program close to the Feast of St. Francis (October 4), the patron saint of those who promote ecology. According to Dr. Elaine Grose, adjunct professor of environmental studies, Pope Francis (the first pontiff to take his name from St. Francis) has repeatedly highlighted how the poor are disproportionately harmed by environmental degradation.

The program includes video testimonials about St. Francis, Pope Francis and Catholic efforts to care for creation from representatives of Catholic Charities, the Catholic Theological Union, Catholic University of America, Communities United for Action, and St. John’s University.

Dr. Grose believes the event will help people of all faiths better understand the Christian vocation to care for all creation in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable.

The program is sponsored by the Catholic Climate Covenant, a national Catholic partnership organization whose members include, among others, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

For more information, contact Dr. Grose at ElaineBGrose@neumann.edu or visit www.CatholicClimateCovenant.org.