On the night of 2 June, Ukraine came under a massive, coordinated attack. Cities including Kyiv, Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Lubny, Poltava region and Kharkiv were struck as 73 missiles and 656 drones were launched. Many of these weapons are extremely difficult to intercept. Within the first ten minutes alone, 23 ballistic missiles hit four cities simultaneously, leaving people almost no time to reach safety. 

Pope Leo doesn’t deal with problems in isolation. He has found a voice. This encyclical is measured, systematic, considered, focussed and strong.

This year’s Laudato Si' theme, “From Hope to Action,” reminds us that hope is not passive.

War is unfolding across many parts of our world. While the headlines may feel distant, the impacts are not.  Human rights anywhere are human rights everywhere. We share one world, and what affects one part of it ultimately affects us all. 

Rising petrol prices and increased costs of fertilisers are placing pressure on households and communities. Yet the heaviest burden continues to fall on people living at the heart of conflict, families who have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones, and who face each day with uncertainty.