World | Pope Francis Pope Francis Letter Leaks in 'Heinous Act' Vatican is not pleased, reminds all that official copy comes Thursday By Kate Seamons Posted Jun 15, 2015 1:26 PM CDT Copied In this Saturday, June 6, 2015 file photo, Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting, at the Franciscan International Student Center in Sarajevo. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File) Pope Francis' long-anticipated letter on the environment has arrived three days early, at least in some fashion. A 192-page draft version of the encyclical, a rare papal "teaching letter," was posted online today by Italian magazine L'Espresso, reports the Wall Street Journal. It has confirmation of its authenticity from the Vatican's rep, though its statement notes the finalized text of Laudato Si ("Be praised") will remain embargoed through Thursday and asks journalists "to respect professional standards, which call for waiting for the official publication of the final text." An official put it more harshly to Bloomberg, calling the leak a "heinous act." The Journal has a few details if you can't wait till then. Read These Next "Admiral Piett" of the Star Wars universe died from COVID. Rescuer in floods gets a poignant question. Trump voter who supported mass deportations could be deported herself. Contestant leaves Love Island USA after backlash. Report an error