Following St. Francis ─ John Paul II's Call for Ecological Action

The first book to present the beloved pope's speeches and writings on environmental matters, thoughtfully synthesized into a complete spiritual and practical vision for the future. Believing that "the ecological crisis is a moral crisis," the late John Paul II was an unexpected advocate for ecological responsibility throughout his papacy, revealing a sophisticated view in which the development of a just human society is closely tied with preserving the health of the Earth. Yet for decades, many in the religious community viewed environmentalism as an "earthly" concern at odds with devotion to God. That is now changing, thanks to the groundwork laid by this most beloved of popes.

Following St. Francis is accessible and illuminating and speaks as much to nonreligious readers as to devoted Catholics. Across themed sections (on Poverty, Women's Rights, Humans as Stewards, Responsible Capitalism), Marybeth Lorbiecki presents the late Pope's contemplation of environmental issues as inseparable from human ones. She follows with a plan that the Catholic Church, as well as individuals, can use to incorporate John Paul II's influential philosophies into daily and spiritual life.

Marybeth Lorbiecki has been consulted by the Holy See about her work on John Paul II's ecological writings. In addition to teaching at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, she campaigns to bring together the religious and environmental communities. Bill McKibben is an environmentalist, journalist, and best-selling author of Eaarth and The End of Nature.