Pope Leo Champions Climate Action: A Call to Protect Our Planet

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, is set to continue the Catholic Church’s commitment to environmental care. He follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who famously emphasized the need for climate responsibility.

Key Points:

• Before becoming pope, Leo XIV, known as Robert Prevost, actively engaged in environmental issues, especially through partnerships with Indigenous groups and various interfaith projects focused on rainforests in Latin America.
• He has openly criticized the misinterpretation of biblical teachings that lead to environmental harm. Instead, he stresses that we should have a mutual respect for nature and responsibly examine new technologies.
• His name pays tribute to Pope Leo XIII, whose encyclical in 1891 laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching. This connection hints at Leo XIV’s intent to tackle today’s pressing economic and ecological challenges.

A Relevant Quote:
"The great command that Jesus taught is to love your neighbor as yourself. We can’t do that anymore without caring for creation because the damage done to creation is undermining the well-being of the neighbor." — Erin Lothes, environmental theologian with the Laudato Si’ Movement.

As climate disasters increase, many faith leaders stress the importance of caring for the Earth—not just as a duty, but as a spiritual need. With his American roots and firsthand experience with environmental issues in Latin America, Pope Leo XIV has a unique opportunity to unite diverse perspectives on climate change. His voice could resonate strongly with both developed nations and communities heavily impacted by climate issues.

In 2021, a Pew Research survey found that 65% of U.S. Catholics believe the Church should advocate for climate action more vigorously. With Leo XIV as pope, there’s potential for a renewed focus on ecological values within Catholic teaching, which could mobilize communities and institutions toward sustainability efforts.

By championing issues of environmental justice, Leo XIV can reinforce the Church’s moral authority and inspire both grassroots movements and institutional change.

Learn more about the Church’s evolving stance on climate action here.

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children's health, climate change, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, public health