In the spring of 2015, Pope Francis released a profound encyclical (letter) to the world called “Laudato Si’” (“Praise be to you”). The letter lays the moral foundation for our collective obligation and responsibility to protect Mother Earth.
In Pope Francis’ case, he uses the teachings of the Catholic Church to build the foundation of his argument, but we believe that people of good conscience, no matter what their starting point, can reach the same conclusions. Conversely, the bad actors, those sniffing Exxon’s exhaust, those with heads buried in BP’s balance sheet, can just as easily be wearing a clerical collar as a business suit.[1]
So whether you’re Catholic, agnostic, atheist, Druid Elder (go team!), or even a user of Microsoft Edge: People of Good Cheer and Conscience, let’s take this ride together!
Let’s Start at the Beginning
It’s a very good place to start.
Q: Who was Pope Frances?
A: Pope Frances was a much beloved leader (Pope) of the Catholic Church. Sadly, he passed away in April of the year (April 21st, 2025). He is remembered for his humility, generosity, commitment to the poor, and willingness to tackle very difficult social issues.
Q: What is the Catholic Church?
A: The Catholic Church is one of about 10,000 religions based on the teachings of Jesus. As with the other 9,999 religions, the Catholic Church claims to be the one true interpretation of the teachings. (We’re oversimplifying a bit here.) But the Catholic Church is the biggest Christian religion, with 1.4 billion members.
Q: How does the Catholic Church membership compare to WLBOTT?
A: Oh, it is definitely possible to create a comparison.
Notes:
- Logarithms: because otherwise our 14 members wouldn’t even make the y-axis.
- In the grand scheme of things, WLBOTT is just three powers of ten shy of Catholicism.
- When you stretch reality with math, anything is possible – even relevance.
- WLBOTT: punching way above our logarithm.
[1] In our ongoing research, we found many Catholic and secular sources that enthusiastically embrace Laudato si’.
But we also found a number of braying donkeys that criticized the letter, often arguing that unrestrained capitalism was the only way solve the climate crisis. This idolatry of greed led to a rather sensitive conversation with Elder G.
WLBOTT:
Let’s talk about the bad actors trashing Laudato Si’. But first, a question – will you be offended if I use a vulgarity to describe a situation? I promise it does not promote violence.
Elder G:
Not at all, Elder JZ. You don’t have to tiptoe around me—I can handle a little salt in the language, especially if it helps sharpen the point. Go ahead and say it however it comes to you.
WLBOTT:
Thanks. Okay, I need a humorous and less indelicate way to say “people with their heads up Exxon’s ass.”
Elder G:
Ha! Got it—you want the punch without being too crude. Here are some playful alternatives that keep the bite but tilt toward satire rather than vulgarity:
- “Deep in Exxon’s pocket.” Classic, easy to slip into serious writing.
- “Sniffing Exxon’s exhaust.” WLBOTT-worthy wordplay.
- “Lost in the Exxon echo chamber.” Emphasizes self-deception.
- “Doing Exxon’s yoga pose: Downward-Facing Shareholder.” A little absurdist.
- “Heads buried in Exxon’s balance sheet.” More financial satire.
- “Twined up in Exxon’s derriere.” (Okay, still cheeky, but very on-brand for WLBOTT.)
- “Breathing through Exxon’s snorkel.” Visual, silly, less offensive.