The day is inspired by Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on “every person living on this planet” to care for our shared Earth.The theme for 2023 is “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” (Amos 5:24)
In his message for the World Day of Prayer 2023, Pope Francis invites us to “the renewal of our relationship with creation so that we no longer see it as an object to be exploited but cherish it instead as a sacred gift from our Creator.” ( see full message below)
As well as transforming our own hearts and lifestyles, the Holy Father calls us to seek to transform public policies and to “raise our voices to halt this injustice towards the poor and towards our children, who will bear the worst effects of climate change.”
The Pope also stresses the importance of synodality with the hope that “in this Season of Creation, as followers of Christ on our shared synodal journey, let us live, work and pray that our common home will teem with life once again.”