How are We to Live in Our Common Home? Reflections on Laudato Si, Pope Francis' Encyclical on Ecology

Turkson’s talk is set for Monday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. at Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St., and will be followed by a fireside chat with OSU President Michael Drake. This event is open to the public but tickets are required to attend. Tickets can be reserved online at https://wexarts.org/tickets/1528.

 

Respected around the world as a Scripture scholar, an advocate for the poor and disenfranchised in the developing world, and as a spokesperson for protecting the environment as a matter of social justice, Turkson has long made news with his comments that link ecology and human life. Turkson has become the face of climate change at the Vatican, having led the drafting process of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, presented at the Vatican conference on climate change on April 28, and introduced the encyclical during a June 18 news conference.

 

The purpose of Encyclical Letter Laudato Si, as the document is entitled, is to elevate the debate on the moral dimensions of protecting the environment and to highlight the intrinsic connection between respect for the environment and respect for people. The encyclical calls for renewed and urgent action and honest dialogue about our environment, both social and ecological.

 

Turkson’s visit to Ohio State is part of a four-day stay in Columbus. In addition to speaking to students, faculty and the central Ohio community on Nov. 2, the Cardinal will also address the faith community during a conference organized by the Diocese of Columbus on Oct. 31, and hold Mass with the local Ghanaian community on Nov. 1.

 

Turkson’s visit to Ohio State is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, School of Environment and Natural Resources, the Conversations on Morality, Politics and Society (COMPAS) program of the Ohio State Center for Ethics and Human Values, Office of Energy and Environment, Humanities Institute, St. Thomas More Newman Center, Glenn College of Public Affairs, Mershon Center for International Security Studies, and additional partners and student organizations.