A Sin Not To Recycle?

Once again it seems as though the teaching authority of the Church has been called into question by Pope Francis' recent remarks.  In a message marking the Church's World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, the Holy Father called upon Catholics to "repent of sins" against the environment.

Was the Holy Father speaking literally or figuratively when he spoke of the "sinfulness" attached to using to much plastic or tin foil?  Was he decreeing that it is now an article of faith and morals that, in making an examination of conscience, one needs to add another commandment to the list:  Thou shalt not litter or fail to recyle?

Already, the Net has lit up with controversies and commentary surrounding these latest Papal utterances.

So, what is the authority and binding force of these latest Papal exhortations?

To find the answer to that question, it is help to refer to the Council Fathers of Vatican II.  In the Pastoral Constitution on the Church (Gaudiam et Spes, Paragraph 43) the Ecumenical Council declares:  "It is necessary for people to remember that no one is allowed (even Popes) to appropriate the Church's authority for his opinion."  As recently as the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI, this same wisdom was reiterated when, in 2011, the Pope stated:  "No one can claim to speak officially in the name of the entire lay faithful, or of all Catholics, in matters freely open to discussion."

Consequently, there are moral questions about which the Catholic faithful and all people of good will may legitimately differ with the opinions of the Pope, whoever he may be.  Not every moral question has been definitively defined by the Church.  While some actions by their very nature are opposed to the natural law and right reason and therefore to be avoided, the morality of other actions may be open to a legitimate difference of opinion among Catholics.

Some examples of legitimate differences of opinion would include comments of Popes about capital punishment, the waging of war, and medico-moral questions.  Thus, one could disagree with a Papal opinion and still consider oneself in full union with the Church and free to receive the Sacraments.

Should a Pope wish to bind the Catholic faithful to a particular moral teaching, he must use the appropriate means and instruments that are available to him and which leave little or no question that his teaching is supported and upheld by the full authority of the Papal Office.

In his recent remarks about the environment, Pope Francis chose to make earnest exhortations in the form a message to the faithful.  Some will laud his effort.  Some will ignore the hyperbole of his remarks.  Both are free to decide whether they agree with the Pope and choose to follow his admonitions or simply choose to do nothing.  Both are legitimate responses.

Personally, I think it's a great idea to recycle as much of our waste products as possible.  However, I can't envision ever personally confessing that I sinned because I didn't put my empty soda can into the right trash bin.  Lord knows, I have much greater failings to confess and for which I need ask His Generous Mercy.