The latest encyclical from Pope Francis is a clarion call to the Church and the world. It is time for immediate action to address the grim state of the global eco-system. Hopefully 1.2 billion Catholics in the world will be reminded about the urgent need for action every week.
Being a Catholic practitioner of the Surya Namaskar, I was greatly relieved to see the Pope draw attention to the image of God in the forces of nature, especially the Sun. In verse 87 of his encyclical the Pope quotes a hymn of Saint Francis of Assisi: ‘Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day and through whom you give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour; and bears a likeness of you, Most High.’
In performing the Surya Namaskar on Yoga Day the Diocesan Schools should feel assured by the Pope’s timely reference to this prayer.
Ralph Rau, Dubai
Pak -peace- change attitude
Pakistani leaders must follow the Indian path of democracy and economic progress. But that is possible only if Pakistan becomes more liberal in many of its economic and social dealings. They should start thinking globally. But will fundamentalists allow economic development and the resultant change in social environment? Unless Pakistan’s government, the ISI and the army change their stand against India, there can’t be peace in the subcontinent. Pakistan must change its policies, shed orthodox customs and spread education. It should stop nurturing terrorism against India for short-term gains. The common man in Pakistan wishes to put an end to terrorism.
Mahesh Kumar, New Delhi
