Columban Fr Sean McDonagh and ten other contributors to ‘Laudato Si - An Irish Response’ were invited by President Michael D Higgins to visit him at his home (Aras An Uachtarain) to discuss the themes which are central to the papal encyclical Laudato Si'.
The president himself was thoroughly aware of many of the economic, ecological and spiritual themes that run right through Laudato Si'. He felt that it is an extraordinary document - not just in what it says about ecology - but what it says about economics itself. He feels that Pope Francis captured both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
All the contributors were delighted with our hour long visit.
Columban Fr Sean McDonagh is a missionary and world-renowned eco-theologian. He has written many books on ecological issues and climate change for more than 40 years. He contributed to early drafting of Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Laudato Si’.