Encyclical Letter

To My Venerable Brothers
in the Episcopate
the Priests and Deacons
Families of Men and Women religious
all the Christian Faithful
and to all men and women
of good will,

Since the beginning of time, man has had to battle the forces of natural disaster. It is sometimes a difficult subject for many. Natural disasters are indifferent to people, without regard to race, nationality, economic-status, religion, and intelligence. For those affected by such disasters are left with confusion, disorder, upheaval, uncertainty, fear, panic, anxiety, indigence, distress, and many other alarming states. Numerous deaths occur from these disasters. We as a Christian people are charged with certain duties of caring for the misfortunate. The Church stands up for the human person, by her social teaching. This Encyclical is meant to guide those who live in disaster, for those who deal with those in disaster, and most especially for every man and woman to better understand the proper response required from natural disaster. Other Catholic Social Teaching may be discussed in small amounts, this is not to diminish those areas, but to rather focus on the Catholic response to natural disaster.

Natural disasters strike like a thief in the night. The damage left behind can be very terrible and loss of life can be copious. In most instances there is not a large amount of preparation one can do for a hurricane, typhoon, tornado, tsunami, earthquakes, floods, mudslides, blizzards, and others. Those of us who are able to are charged with assisting those in need. The ways of helping those in distress and the categories they fall into are numerous and need clarification. As with most situations the most basic principles apply within a certain context. The same applies for natural disasters; the basic Catholic Social Teachings apply in these instances and applied a special way. A good thesis for this encyclical was stated by My Beloved Predecessor, John XXIII in his encyclical Mater et Magistra,

The Church has always emphasized that this obligation of helping those who are in misery and want should be felt most strongly by Catholics, in view of the fact that they are members of the Mystical Body of Christ. "In this we have known the charity of God," says St. John, "because he has laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. He that hath the substance of this world and shall see his brother in need and shall shut up his bowels from him; how doth the charity of God abide in him?"[1]

Since natural disaster affects the human person, we shall begin with looking at the dignity of the human person. The human person is made in the Image and Likeness of God and therefore has a definite dignity.[2] Every person must be treated with such dignity. My Beloved Predecessor of Happy Memory, John Paul II, stated “Human persons are willed by God; they are imprinted with God's image. Their dignity does not come from the work they do, but from the persons they are.”[3] The dignity of the human person is in the very fact that they exist.

Our Lord took on human flesh, as truly man, while remaining truly God. He redeemed the human race with His passion, death, and resurrection, as man and God. The Master of Social Teaching states, “Truly great must be the value of human life if the Son of God has taken it up and made it the instrument of the salvation of all humanity!”[4] The Second Vatican Council states, “...this Council lays stress on reverence for the human person; everyone must consider one's every neighbor without exception as another self, taking into account first of all life and the means necessary to living it with dignity, so as not to imitate the rich man who had no concern for the poor man Lazarus.”[5]

Jesus Christ saw the dignity in every person, even the adulterer, the criminal, the tax collector and the poorest of the poor. We must recognize the dignity of every human life. It is because of this that the Church has continued to denounce things that diminish the dignity of the human person. For this reason I would like to reaffirm my predecessors by stating, I condemn the use of abortion, euthanasia, contraception, capital punishment, discrimination against the poor, and all other means that remove the dignity of the human person, which rests in the image and likeness of God. The merciful Father continually has his arms extended to his prodigal children, who have fallen trap to these grievous sins.

Holy Mother Church continues to recognize the dignity of all humans and asks that every man and woman to look at one another as a brother or sister in Jesus Christ with great dignity. Our beloved Predecessor, of Happy Memory, John XXIII stated, “Any human society, if it is to be well-ordered and productive, must lay down as a foundation this principle, namely, that every human being is a person, that is, his nature is endowed with intelligence and free will. Indeed, precisely because he is a person he has rights and obligations flowing directly and simultaneously from his very nature.”[6] It is truly our most basic principle that would solve many problems. If as a human people we took this as our way of life we would be actively living the Gospel as Saints who walk the earth. We must see the value in every human life and never abuse that. Leo XIII stated, “It is shameful and inhuman, however, to use men as things for gain and to put no more value on them than what they are worth in muscle and energy.”[7] The Bishops of the United States of America sum this area up quite well, “At the center of all Catholic social teaching are the transcendence of God and the dignity of the human person. The human person is the clearest reflection of God's presence in the world; all of the Church's work in pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every person. For each person not only reflects God, but is the expression of God's creative work and the meaning of Christ's redemptive ministry.”[8]

Job was a man who was faithful to God. God had abundantly blessed Job with a family, a multitude of servants, and plenty of means to survive happily. God allowed for Job to be tested by the “devil” or the de-advocate. The “devil” sent plagues or natural disasters to Job and his family. Job’s family, servants, livestock, and house were all destroyed. When these things were removed from Job by the “devil,” Job continued to remain faithful to his heavenly Father. When tempted by his friends to curse God, Job refused. Job did question God, but the Lord replied that He would question Job. Job’s response was, “Know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes.”[9] God does not create our natural disasters and we should not put the blame on him or on any angelic power. Too often we want to disown God, like Job’s friends. It is God however that restores a family to Job and offers him all that he lost. It is not God, nor demons, nor angels that cause natural disaster.

In the year 587 B.C., the Babylonians took Jerusalem. The main leaders where taken to Babylon and the Temple was destroyed. Jerusalem fell. The center of the Israelite’s faith was Jerusalem, but more importantly the Temple. While in Babylon the Jewish leaders did not suffer from lack of food or shelter. Their captors treated them kindly, but these Israelites did suffer greatly. The book of the Psalms records some poetry of their dismay after loosing the temple and their time away from Jerusalem.

By the rivers of Babylon there we sat and wept, remembering Zion; on the poplars that grew there we hung up our harps. For it was there that they asked us, our captors, for songs, our oppressors, for joy. "Sing to us," they said, "one of Zion's songs." O how could we sing the song of the Lord on alien soil? If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not, if I prize not Jerusalem above all my joys! Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem; when they said: "Tear it down! Tear it down to its foundations!" O Babylon, destroyer, he is happy who repays you the ills you brought on us.[10]

When in natural disaster, one’s homeland, church, home, family, friends can be swept away in the blink of an eye and we feel the pain of the people of Israel.

In 537 B.C., Cyrus released the people of Israel from Babylon, to return to their homeland of Jerusalem. The Israelites, however had become accustomed to their decent way of life and did not wish to return to Jerusalem, where there was rebuilding to take place. The rebuilding of the temple would be a lengthy and tedious task. With the calling of Isaiah, they eventually returned and rebuilt the temple.

When disasters occur it becomes a duty to rebuild and reclaim. The work may be long and tiring, but God set humankind over creation. Every man and woman is responsible for that creation and must therefore work to preserve it. God gave us creation as his gift and now we must respect it.

When dealing with social justice one of the most basic principles is that of the common good. Since human beings are social beings there is a communal element. All efforts can only be had then in a communal way. When working in a disaster situation this principle is also the case. John XXIII states, “The common good embraces the sum total of all those conditions of social life which enable individuals, families, and organizations to achieve complete and effective fulfillment.”[11] The Second Vatican Council teaches, “It is imperative that no one ... would indulge in a merely individualistic morality. The best way to fulfill one's obligations of justice and love is to contribute to the common good according to one's means and the needs of others, and also to promote and help public and private organizations devoted to bettering the conditions of life.”[12] In the original state of humanity, humankind was called to the communion of persons through the nuptial meaning of the body. The meaning of individuality or rather individualism is an effect of concupiscence. To end this section, let us again turn to John XXIII for his words,

The very nature of the common good requires that all members of the state be entitled to share in it, although in different ways according to each one's tasks, merits and circumstances. For this reason, every civil authority must take pains to promote the common good of all, without preference for any single citizen or civic group. As Our Predecessor of immortal memory, Leo XIII, has said: "The civil power must not serve the advantage of any one individual, or of some few persons, inasmuch as it was established for the common good of all." Considerations of justice and equity, however, can at times demand that those involved in civil government give more attention to the less fortunate members of the community, since they are less able to defend their rights and to assert their legitimate claims.[13]

The rich are no more than the poor. Every person is equal. In the rescue and restoration after a natural disaster, no one group of people should be held higher than any other. Every person is equal, no matter sex, religion, status, race, or any other quality. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “‘God shows no partiality,’ since all people have the same dignity as creatures made in his image and likeness.”[14] Equality directly rests on the dignity of the human person.

We are each others brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. The principle of Solidarity teaches us that we are all one race, one family, and one Church. Whoever is being effected in the world by negative pressures, is a brother or sister in distress. We two often have the mindset of what is right in front of us, but the world, our family, is much bigger. John Paul II stated, “To overcome today's individualistic mentality, a concrete commitment to solidarity and charity is needed, beginning in the family.”[15] We begin our process of solidarity within our own home, but it must extend outside the home to the farthest ends of the earth. John XXIII stated, “The solidarity which binds all men together as members of a common family makes it impossible for wealthy nations to look with indifference upon the hunger, misery and poverty of other nations whose citizens are unable to enjoy even elementary human rights. The nations of the world are becoming more and more dependent on one another and it will not be possible to preserve a lasting peace so long as glaring economic and social imbalances persist.”[16] Solidarity calls us to action. Solidarity is a recognition of the dignity of the human person in all people, to see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

Some may wish to push solidarity off to the side, saying that care for one’s own family and locality is the only important neighbor. We must caution ourselves against this kind of thinking. Our Lord bases salvation on Solidarity,

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'[17]

This Gospel passage describes solidarity within the kerygma. Jesus requires that we are truly are in solidarity with all.

When we are united to those in disaster, we recognize them as our brothers and sisters. We rush to meet them and come to their aid. John Paul II summarizes, “Solidarity helps us to see the 'other'-whether a person, people or nation-not just as some kind of instrument, with a work capacity and physical strength to be exploited at low cost and then discarded when no longer useful, but as our 'neighbor,' a 'helper', to be made a sharer on a par with ourselves in the banquet of life to which all are equally invited by God.”[18]

No person may ever be denied food, clothing, shelter, education, or work. These are basic human rights as told by the Second Vatican Council, “There is a growing awareness of the sublime dignity of human persons, who stand above all things and whose rights and duties are universal and inviolable. They ought, therefore, to have ready access to all that is necessary for living a genuinely human life: for example, food, clothing, housing, ... the right to education, and work...”[19] In the face of disaster these basic human rights are stripped away. It is a duty of not only the government, but of every man and woman to ensure that these rights are restored and fulfilled. Medical care is another area that cannot be overlooked. Those people who cannot afford medical care should never be denied it. Our Lord healed the sick and crippled without cost.

As accord to a disaster the basic human rights of safety of life, food, shelter, clothing, and medical care can never be denied. In the wake of the natural disaster, those who have lost all should be given the opportunity to work if they are able to work, so that they can earn a just wage. Those of school age must be returned to the process of education. As natural disasters can be very terrible for some, counseling should be offered to those in extreme need of it. Extra pastoral care should be afforded those who have gone through such a traumatic experience. Those who are seeking work may be given work of rebuilding their community, for Leo XIII stated, “When men know they are working on what belongs to them, they work with far greater eagerness and diligence. Nay, in a word, they learn to love the land cultivated by their own hands, whence they look not only for food but for some measure of abundance for themselves and their dependents.”[20]

Directly connected with that of human rights and needs is the option for the poor. The Lord had a special attention for those who were poor. The poor includes those who are monetarily poor, but also the elderly, the sick, the handicap, the needy, those without medical attention, and other groups. The Second Vatican Council puts this into action,

Therefore everyone has the right to possess a sufficient amount of the earth's goods for themselves and their family. This has been the opinion of the Fathers and Doctors of the church, who taught that people are bound to come to the aid of the poor and to do so not merely out of their superfluous goods. Persons in extreme necessity are entitled to take what they need from the riches of others. Faced with a world today where so many people are suffering from want, the council asks individuals and governments to remember the saying of the Fathers: "Feed the people dying of hunger, because if you do not feed them you are killing them," and it urges them according to their ability to share and dispose of their goods to help others, above all by giving them aid which will enable them to help and develop themselves.[21]

I too would like to echo the Fathers by restating, Care for those who are deeply affected by natural disaster or you are killing them. The preferable option for the poor is at the root of the Gospel teaching. Paul VI tells us “. . . the superfluous wealth of rich countries should be placed at the service of poor nations. The rule which up to now held good for the benefit of those nearest to us, must today be applied to all the needy of this world. Besides, the rich will be the first to benefit as a result. Otherwise their continued greed will certainly call down upon them the judgment of God and the wrath of the poor, with consequences no one can foretell.”[22] The Christian people must open their heart, and to some degree their “pocketbook” to aid their brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

Those places affected by natural disasters will need rebuilding. In the process of rebuilding the local industry should try to keep within itself to promote other local business. The Master of Social Teaching says, The "principle of subsidiarity" must be respected: "A community of a higher order should not interfere with the life of a community of a lower order, taking over its functions." In case of need it should, rather, support the smaller community and help to coordinate its activity with activities in the rest of society for the sake of the common good.”[23] And Pius XI stated,

Still, that most weighty principle, which cannot be set aside or changed, remains fixed and unshaken in social philosophy: Just as it is gravely wrong to take from individuals what they can accomplish by their own initiative and industry and give it to the community, so also it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of right order to assign to a greater and higher association what lesser and subordinate organizations can do. For every social activity ought of its very nature to furnish help to the members of the body social, and never destroy and absorb them.”

While there is nothing wrong with the corporate level, the local level will accomplish much more for the local economy, especially those affected by natural disaster.

The government of a nation affected by a disaster will have a great deal to do with the rescue and rebuilding process. Other nations however are called as well to assist in the rebuilding and rescue involved in natural disaster. It is worth restating the quote of Paul IV, whose words are very powerful.

. . . the superfluous wealth of rich countries should be placed at the service of poor nations. The rule which up to now held good for the benefit of those nearest to us, must today be applied to all the needy of this world. Besides, the rich will be the first to benefit as a result. Otherwise their continued greed will certainly call down upon them the judgment of God and the wrath of the poor, with consequences no one can foretell.”[24]

This is a hard truth for some nations, who are consumed within themselves, but it is a truth that must be recognized. Nations that are extremely wealthy should not spend billions of dollars on ridiculous campaigns when there are thirty-five thousand people dying everyday or there are people suffering in extremity from natural disasters. Governments have the duty to step in during disaster. Leo XII stated, “If, therefore, any injury has been done to or threatens either the common good or the interests of individual groups, which injury cannot in any other way be repaired or prevented, it is necessary for public authority to intervene.”[25]

It is also very important for the state to recognize and vigorously defend the dignity of every human person, with this comes the recognition the abortion, contraception, euthanasia, and capital punishment are grave injustices against the dignity of the human person. John XXIII stated,

It is agreed that in our time the common good is chiefly guaranteed when personal rights and duties are maintained. The chief concern of civil authorities must therefore be to ensure that these rights are acknowledged, respected, coordinated with other rights, defended and promoted, so that in this way each one may more easily carry out his duties. For "to safeguard the inviolable rights of the human person, and to facilitate the fulfillment of his duties, should be the chief duty of every public authority."

He calls it the chief duty of the state to protect this dignity and to defend these rights, most especially of those that are poor. And finally Paul VI stated,

Legislation is necessary, but it is not sufficient for setting up true relationships of justice and equality...If, beyond legal rules, there is really no deeper feeling of respect for and service to others, then even equality before the law can serve as an alibi for flagrant discrimination, continued exploitation and actual contempt. Without a renewed education in solidarity, an over-emphasis on equality can give rise to an individualism in which each one claims his own rights without wishing to be answerable for the common good.[26]

Paul VI’s statement explains it. Make all the laws, but without the mindset the laws will mean nothing.

As we stated earlier it is necessary to rebuild as it was for the Israelites. In a disaster certain environmental disasters can occur, such as the spilling of oil or gasoline. This too falls under the category of ecology. As the Council states, “God destined the earth and all it contains for all people and nations so that all created things would be shared fairly by all humankind under the guidance of justice tempered by charity.”[27] God placed man in the garden and set him over creation: this does not just mean that resources can be wasted. It becomes our duty to resolve environmental disasters within the wake of a natural disaster with a certain sense of hastiliness, since this can further the problems. The Servant of God, John Paul II stated, “The most profound motive for our work is this knowing that we share in creation. Learning the meaning of creation in our daily lives will help us to live holier lives. It will fill the world with the spirit of Christ, the spirit of justice, charity, and peace.”[28]

When I hear of any person in distress it greatly disturbs me. Know that in every instance all people are in my prayers, but you victims most especially. I want to echo to you the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and My Beloved Predecessor, John Paul II, BE NOT AFRAID! The Lord accompanies you. Keep steadfast in the faith. The Dark Valley that Psalm 23 speaks of is the path you walk now, but fear no evil for HE is with you and HE fills your cup to overflowing. Remember that the Lord Jesus suffered on through his passion and death. The community of brothers and sisters will come to your aide. I grant a special Apostolic Blessing on all of you who are affected by such natural disasters.

Blessings to you who are doing the work of the Lord. You are living out the message of the 1971 Synod of Bishops, “The members of the Church, as members of society, have the same right and duty to promote the common good as do other citizens. Christians ought to fulfill their temporal obligations with fidelity and competence. They should act as a leaven in the world, in their family, professional, social, cultural and political life.”[29] Thank you for your efforts and continue to work for that common good.

May the God of all consolation be with you! In your grief I implore you to turn to the Loving Father, the Redeeming Son, and the enlightening Spirit. Life does not end with death. Know that even our Lord cried at the death of Lazarus.[30] The Easter Proclamation says of the effects of Christ’s Resurrection, “Jesus broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave…this holy night dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy; it casts out hatred, brings us peace, and humbles earthly pride…”[31] Jesus Christ has broken the chains of death. Our Creed tells us that we believe in the Resurrection of Dead and Life Everlasting. The Order of Christian Funerals prays, “may (he or she) be delivered from the bonds of death…be carried safely home to heaven and enjoy your eternal reward.”[32] Those who have fallen asleep in Christ Jesus will one day rise again. I entrust all the departed to the loving mercy of God.

Your first duty is toward the safety and security of your people. This is not a task to be taken lightly. Guard against future disasters. No nation can put a price on the value of human life. If your country is in need of assistance, inquire to your neighboring nations and to wealthier nations. Use all available resources that are given. Your people are looking to you for their security.

When in the course of natural disaster never deny available help to nations in need. Offer help before it is asked for. Nations are responsible for themselves, but they are also responsible to all nations. And as John XXIII stated, “If any government does not acknowledge the rights of man or violates them, it not only fails in its duty, but its orders completely lack juridical force.”[33]

My dearest sons, care for your people and love them as Christ loved his disciples. Pray for all in disaster. Initiate, within your own parishes, relief efforts for those who are suffering due to natural disasters. Educate your people on Church Social Teaching and promote the dignity of every human person. Nourish your people daily with the Bread of Angels and the Cup of Salvation. Work diligently with one another in your brotherhood of priesthood and as co-workers of the bishop. May the Holy Spirit continue to outpour upon you as on the day of your ordination.

Brothers, keep watch for the thief in the night. Guard your people. Grant them pastoral care that the Lord would have afforded any man or woman. My brothers within the disaster, be visible to your people and be a voice to them and for them. Stand up against all injustices. Initiate, within your own dioceses, relief efforts for those who are suffering due to natural disasters. Educate your people on Church Social Teaching. Promote the dignity of every human person. Make it a chief goal. Keep in mind the words of Leo XIII, “It must not be supposed that the Church so concentrates her energies on caring for souls as to overlook things which pertain to mortal and earthly life.”[34] Let us pray for one another.

Natural Disasters are not caused by divine origin. Stand up as Christians of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and live the Catholic Social Teaching. You are your brother and your sister’s keeper. May the Lord bless all of you and keep you.

It is our hope that we can echo the words of our Lord, “the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them,”[35] as a result of the efforts of the people God, working for the restoration from natural disaster. Trust in the Lord and continue your efforts. We must remember the work in which we engage will be a long road to recovery, but the Lord tells us of his work,

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."[36]

[1] 159. Mater et Magistra.

[2] C.f. Genesis 1 & 2.

[3] 11. Centenimus Annus.

[4] 33. Evangelium Vitae.

[5] 27. Gaudium et Spes.

[6] 9. Pacem in Terris.

[7] 31. Rerum Novarum.

[8] 15. The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response.

[9] Job, 42.

[10] Psalm, 137.

[11] 74. Mater et Magisteria.

[12] 30. Gaudium et Spes.

[13] 56. Pacem et Terris.

[14] CCC. 1934.

[15] 39. Centesumus Annus.

[16] 157. Mater et Magistra.

[17] Matthew, 25.

[18] 39. Sollicitudo Rei Socialis.

[19] 26. Gaudium et Spes.

[20] 66. Rerum Novarum.

[21] 69. Gaudium et Spes.

[22] 49. Populorum Progressio.

[23] 48. Centenimus Annus.

[24] 49. Populorum Progressio.

[25] 52. Rerum Novarum.

[26] 23. Octogesima Adveniens

[27] 69. Gaudium et Spes.

[28] 25. Laborem Exercens.

[29] 38. Justice in the World.

[30] John, 11:35.

[31] The Easter Proclamation

[32] The Order of Christian Funerals, 164.

[33] 61. Pacem et Terris.

[34] 42. Rerum Novarum.

[35] Matthew, 11.

[36] Matthew, 11.