In 2015, Pope Francis called out to the world to heed the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. The encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On care for our common home proposed a unified vision of the crises facing our planet and its creatures, including us humans. Five years later, we are in the midst of a pandemic that makes our interdependence glaringly evident. We need urgent change. In this issue of ad vitam, our contributors renew their outlook on Laudato Si’ and current issues. We also welcome testimonies and reflections from religious communities and their collaborators.

Br. Bernard Hudon is a biologist and a Jesuit. His love and commitment in favour of the environment are rooted in his childhood and have guided his journey so far. In this interview, he shares his perspectives on the impact of the Laudato Si’ encyclical and what is needed to accomplish the vision of an integral ecology.

As the weeks passed with ongoing physical distancing and social isolation due to the emergence of COVID-19, Canadians are experiencing a new reality. Required to stay home if at all possible, many have returned to spending quality time with their families and remembering the importance of friends. There’s renewed interest in homecooked meals and the domestic arts. With schools and countless businesses closed, many cars are off the roads, and with much industry shut down, air pollution has visibly improved.

Our current global circumstances present many challenges. One of the less obvious perils is the threat to world peace and the elevated risk that war and conflict bring to protecting people from the virus. For this reason, the United Nations has been leading a call for a global ceasefire until we contain the virus. In March, Pope Francis appealed for a global ceasefire as the pandemic spread, and Pax Christi supported this call.

I Thirst is my prayer for peace and unity as more countries dream and act together with our committed youth in discovering new ways to preserve and protect our Common Home.