From one of today's most respected Church scholars comes an essential commentary on Pope Francis's enormously rich and penetrating encyclical letter, Laudato Si'-On Care for Our Common Home Irwin presents his commentary in four main sections: "Background" reviews earlier documents on issues related to ecology and the environment. "Contributions" summarizes what Pope Francis adds to our understanding of the environment from the perspective of Catholic (magisterial) teaching, theology, spirituality, liturgy, and practice. "Implementation" examines the issues that Pope Francis raises for reflection and action. "Beyond" considers the questions "Where do we go from here?" and "How do we move forward?" Even though Pope Francis is addressing the environmental crises of our day, Irwin shows how Laudato Si' is a document for the ages. Readers will gain a full appreciation for the opportunity it offers to see things differently while also reflecting the breadth of the Catholic theological and spiritual tradition. Book jacket.