The “care of the common home” in Peru

a comparative analysis of government policies and the proposals of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’

Abstract

This article proposes to analyze the “care of our common home” in the context of the wildfires that affected several regions of Peru between August and September 2024, comparing government policies with the proposals of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’. Using a qualitative methodology, the official responses of the Peruvian government to these natural disasters are examined against the principles of sustainability, social justice, and ecological responsibility contained in the encyclical. The results show that the policies implemented do not fully reflect the comprehensive vision proposed by Francis, which highlights the interdependence between environmental protection and social inclusion.

The crisis generated by the fires reveals the need for deeper and more coordinated strategies, which address not only emergencies but also the structural causes linked to climate change and the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. In conclusion, the comparative analysis underscores the urgency of adopting a more holistic approach in Peruvian environmental policy, as proposed by the encyclical. Current policies do not reach the level of ecological transformation that the global situation demands, nor do the responsibility towards the most vulnerable, who are often the most affected by these events.