Canticle of the Creatures St Francis of Assisi

Pope Francis chose his name when he was elected. St Francis of Assisi rebuilt ruined churches (hence the trowel) and ‘rebuilt’ the Church of his day by his example of radical poverty and love. St Francis wrote a hymn called ‘Canticle of the Creatures’. He saw God in all creation and is patron saint of ecology. Pope Francis chose his name when he was elected. Illustration by Simon David

Canticle of the Creatures RAW40118 Credit: Simon Rawles/CAFOD Caption: Children with lighted candles on the beach at Pujada Bay in the Philippines Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is yours, all glory, honour and blessings. To you alone, Most High, do they belong; no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

We praise you, Lord, for all your creatures, especially for Brother Sun, who brings the day through whom you give us light. He is beautiful and radiant with great splendour. Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness. RAW40120 Credit: Simon Rawles/CAFOD Caption: Dawn at Pujada Bay in the Philippines.

Credit: Kathleen O’Brien/CAFOD Caption: A ‘super-moon,’ viewed from the Southern hemisphere. We praise you, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars. In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

We praise you, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air, CAF69772 Credit: CAFOD/Ben White Caption: Sheltering from the rain in Karamoja, northeast Uganda, where our partner Caritas Moroto is improving water access and sanitation. We praise you, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,  fair and stormy, all weather's moods, by which you cherish all that you have made.

RAW41636 Credit: Simon Rawles/CAFOD Caption: Hands cupping water. This family in Nigeria has a constant supply of water due to a rainwater catchment tank provided by CAFOD’s partner. We praise you, Lord, for Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise you, Lord, for Brother Fire, through whom you light the night.  He is beautiful, playful, robust and strong. PFL60673 Credit: Phil Knox/Purple Flame Caption: Musa and a relative preparing dinner in Mongla District, Bangladesh.

CHU42503 Credit: Eleanor Church/CAFOD Caption: Seasonal fruit growing on the trees in a UK garden. Hearty, sustainable, eco-friendly food growing. We praise you, Lord, for Sister Earth,  who sustains us with her fruits, coloured flowers, and herbs.

BGT29559 Credit: Annie Bungeroth/CAFOD Caption: Exchanging flowers at a reconciliation service in the Philippines. We praise you, Lord, for all those who pardon one another for the sake of God’s love. Blessed are those who endure in peace. By you, Most High, they will be crowned.

RAW41480 Credit: Simon Rawles/CAFOD Caption: Lighting a candle while praying in a church in Nigeria. We praise and bless you, Lord, and give You thanks, and serve you in all humility.

Photographs: Simon Rawles, Annie Bungeroth, Eleanor Church, Kathleen O’Brien, Phil Knox/Purple Flame, Ben White Illustration: Simon David