Similarities Between Transcendentalism And Pope Francis

The transcendentalists, Emerson and Thoreau, surfaced during pre-Civil War America. Interestingly, their philosophies continue to have relevance through contemporary icons. One icon is the current leader of the catechism, Pope Francis. In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming Pope Francis. He is the first pope from the Americas ("Pope Francis"). He is referred to as the “Energizer Bunny Pope”, not only because he is 30 years younger than previous pope, but because he is leading the church in taking progressive views, as a result, bringing a fresh “energizing” transformation to Catholicism. The ideals of challenging the status quo and living simple, naturalistic lives resonated with the Transcendentalists

While the Pope emphasizes conservation is a noble calling, Emerson and Thoreau presume it is a human issue, however both have the same message. Vatican Radio reported that Francis reflected on the creation of the universe passage in the Book of Genesis,” “In the ‘first creation’ we must respond with the responsibility that the Lord gives us: ‘The earth is yours, take it forward; let it grow.’ Even for us there is a responsibility to nurture the Earth, to nurture Creation, to keep it and make it grow according to its laws. . .” he said ("Pope: Conservation Not Going 'green,' but Being Christian"). This quote corresponds with a quote from Walden, “Heaven is under our feet is well as over our heads”. Thoreau and Pope Francis comment how nature is spiritual, and therefore society should take care of it. The Pope uses his worldwide, 1.2 billion Catholic platform ("Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Environment") to make a change in saving and preserving the planet. He does this via speaking on behalf of the Amazon basin, calling for “respect and protection of the entire creation which God has entrusted to man”. This creation, he said, should not “be indiscriminately exploited, but rather made into a garden.” (Weiss). Let alone he released Laudato Si (“Praised Be”), an encyclical on climate and justice to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home. ("Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Environment"). The Pope is upfront that climate change is caused by humans and is a significant threat ("Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Environment"). He says, "We received this world as an inheritance from past generations, but also as a loan from future generations, to whom we will have to return it!” ("Nature Never Forgives: 7 of Pope Francis's Greenest Quotes"). Pope Francis calls for reform because it is a Christian duty, accentuating this principle through,