Diana Doll: Hopefully, Trump will take the time to read Pope’s gift to him

One of the gifts Pope Francis gave President Trump was “Laudato Si’,” his encyclical letter on care for our common home. Learning this motivated me to delve into our copy. I was surprised to note that popes from the 1970s forward expressed serious concerns about the health of the planet. Pope Francis has put all the research, conclusions and moral guidelines together in a comprehensive yet easily readable way.

Donald Trump has said he will make a decision this week on whether to stay in or drop out of the Paris Climate Accord. Reportedly, he finds it difficult to read lengthy papers and does not read books. Yet I hope and pray he explores “Laudato Si’” and decides justly. The Paris accord is carefully written to be a flexible yardstick to evaluate progress, not to be dogmatic or punitive. Reaffirming America’s commitment to it would be an inspiration to signatory countries and others in their efforts to lessen pollution and excess consumption. After all, every human being has a stake in preserving the ecosystems and livability of our one and only home.

This story was originally published May 30, 2017 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Diana Doll: Hopefully, Trump will take the time to read Pope’s gift to him."