Pope Francis Urges Global Action: Why Climate Defense is Our Urgent Responsibility

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope in 2013, he took the name Francis to honor the saint of ecology, reflecting his deep commitment to human justice and the environment. His focus on these issues significantly shaped global climate dialogue, including the pivotal 2015 Paris Agreement.

In June 2015, Francis released Laudato Si’, a groundbreaking letter addressing climate change and its links to poverty and consumption. His frank observations, like calling Earth "an immense pile of filth," drew attention to the urgency of the climate crisis. He emphasized the need for action, urging energy executives that moving toward clean energy was a responsibility to humanity.

Following his passing at 88, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recognized Laudato Si’ as essential to the global movement for the Paris Agreement. Experts in the field agree. Laurence Tubiana, a key figure in the 2015 negotiations, noted Francis’s proactive role in fostering dialogue among world leaders, helping to bring almost 200 nations together.

Oscar Soria, an economist and environmental advocate, credited Francis with infusing moral urgency into the climate pact. In his view, the agreement resonates with principles like climate justice and intergenerational equity, which Francis championed.

However, not everyone embraced his message. A Georgetown University survey from March 2024 showed that only a third of U.S. Catholics were familiar with Laudato Si’. Studies presented by the U.S. Catholic bishops indicated that many remain distant from the climate conversation, reflecting hesitance among conservative groups.

Despite these challenges, 32 dioceses in the U.S. adopted the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a commitment to sustainability over seven years. A recent session held by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops aimed to reignite discussion around the encyclical as its 10th anniversary approaches.

The Laudato Si’ Movement, originally the Global Catholic Climate Movement, has mobilized thousands, training leaders across 140 countries to advocate for environmental action. Reba Elliott, the movement’s strategy director, asserts that many Catholics view climate change as integral to their faith, despite some criticisms attempting to polarize the issue.

In a recent message written during his health struggles, Pope Francis encouraged Brazilian bishops to prepare for the upcoming U.N. climate talks, underscoring the need for global commitments to tackle climate challenges.

Many believe that Francis’s legacy will continue to inspire climate action well beyond his time. As Elliott summarizes, "Ten years is a blink of an eye in church time." Yet the work initiated by Francis has resonated deeply, demonstrating that his call for environmental stewardship is one many people relate to and rally around.

For more on climate action initiatives, explore resources from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, which provides updates and data on global efforts.

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Pope Francis, climate change, Catholicism, christianity