Understanding Pope Francis’s Environmental Legacy: His Lasting Impact on Our Planet

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, as announced by the Vatican. He served as the leader of the Catholic Church from 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His legacy will largely be defined by his passionate commitment to environmental issues, particularly climate change.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis warned the world about the urgent threat of climate change, especially for the poorest communities. He often emphasized that the effects of environmental damage are not felt equally; those who contribute the least to the problem often suffer the most.

His 2015 encyclical, Laudato si’: On Care For Our Common Home, drew significant attention. In it, he criticized excessive consumerism and warned against the false belief in unlimited resources. “It is based on the lie that there is an infinite supply of the earth’s goods, leading to the planet being squeezed dry,” he wrote.

The encyclical built a strong moral case linked to the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change. It came just months before the Paris Agreement was signed, and many believe his influence pushed Catholic nations to take more robust climate action during COP21.

Fast forward to COP28 in Dubai in 2023, Pope Francis released an updated document, Laudate Deum. He highlighted the inadequate response to the climate crisis and called for urgent action. He pointed out that people in wealthy countries, like the United States, have a carbon footprint that is starkly higher than those in poorer nations. He called for accountability from those who have historically emitted the most greenhouse gases.

Pope Francis intended to attend COP28, aiming to be the first pope to do so, but illness prevented him from making the trip. Instead, his message was delivered by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin, emphasizing that indifference toward climate change is a form of injustice.

During his tenure, he initiated dialogues with leaders from various fields to bring attention to inequalities magnified by climate change. He even organized a conference focused on climate resilience, where he underscored the disproportionate impact on the world’s poorest populations. Notably, the richest billion people produce over half of the planet’s heat-trapping pollutants while the three billion poorest contribute less than 10%.

In his discussions, he labeled environmental destruction an “offense against God” and described it as a “structural sin.” This perspective has positioned him as a moral leader on climate change, inspiring collective action across different communities.

Pope Francis’s commitment and unique role in addressing climate change have set a notable precedent. His focus on the intersection of poverty, environmental degradation, and social justice has resonated with many. As we reflect on his contributions, it’s clear that he aimed not just to raise awareness but also to spark a movement towards real change.

For more on the Vatican’s environmental efforts, check resources like the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for authoritative insights and data on climate change issues.

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