31. Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’ as a Catalyst for Societal Transformation? Critical Remarks and Presentation of an Inspired Exemplary Project as a Driver for Sustainability

There is a broad consensus among scientists and society that a “Great Transformation” towards more sustainability is of existential urgency for saving the living conditions of our planet. Nonetheless, the global political and economic reactions and efforts have been insufficient. In this context, the encyclical letter “Laudato Si’ – on care for our common home” of Pope Francis (2015a)—in which he calls for a more sustainable lifestyle and economy and more social justice—received worldwide attention from all sectors of society with many welcoming the encyclical almost enthusiastically. Therefore, it seems worthy to explore the relevance, transformative potential and impact of the statements of a religious leader. In this chapter, we will attempt to answer the question: can the encyclical Laudato Si’ act as a catalyst for a global societal transformation towards more sustainability? First, we give some critical remarks and observations about this question, set it in the context of sustainability research and invite a broader discussion.

Drawing from sustainability science we begin by giving some remarks on transformations, their drivers and characteristics. For this we use the flagship report “World in transition” by the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU 2011b). Second, we present and reflect on the encyclical. We start with some general remarks on the document, continue with a presentation of statements on sustainable resource use and then comment on the question of “Laudato Si’” as a potential catalyst for transformation. Third, we present the project “Laudato Si’ – The papal encyclical in discourse for a Great Transformation” of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU) and the Federation of German Scientists (VDW). The project takes the encyclical and its statements on socio-ecological sustainability as a starting point. Through transdisciplinary, communicative and scientific-educative activities the project re-contextualizes the statements of the encyclical in the scientific field and thereby acts as a sustainability transformative driver, building a bridge between religion and science in the field of transformation. It is shown that the encyclical has considerable transformative relevance. Some impacts can already be noticed, even if long-term and global impacts are difficult to determine, yet.