“The earth cries out” and we “must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behavior”. Pope Francis denounced this in his Message released today to mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. “Global warming continues – Pope Francis wrote one year after the publication of his Encyclical Laudato Si’ -, due in part to human activity: 2015 was the warmest year on record, and 2016 will likely be warmer still. This is leading to ever more severe droughts, floods, fires and extreme weather events. Climate change is also contributing to the heart-rending refugee crisis. The world’s poor, though least responsible for climate change, are most vulnerable and already suffering its impact”. The Pope called for an examination of conscience to “acknowledge our sins against creation, the poor and future generations”, which should also lead to “a firm purpose of amendment”. “This – Pope Francis continued – must translate into concrete ways of thinking and acting that are more respectful of creation”. Then the Pontiff gave some golden rules, a series of “concrete” examples, for the protection of the environment. For instance: “avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, separating refuse, cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, and turning off unnecessary lights”. And he added: “We must not think that these efforts are too small to improve our world. They call forth a goodness which, albeit unseen, inevitably tends to spread and encourage a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption”.