What Pope Leo Can Teach Us About Climate Change: Insights and Guidance

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away, leaving a strong legacy focused on inclusivity and environmental activism. Soon after, Pope Leo XIV took his place. Many are curious if his leadership will continue Francis’s key values, particularly regarding the environment and social justice.

Pope Francis cared deeply about how climate change affects marginalized communities. He often spoke about the need for balance between humanity and nature. In a speech on April 22, 2015, he urged people not to exploit the earth but to treat it with respect. His encyclical, Laudato Si’, released in May 2015, highlighted the dangers of global warming and criticized the culture of materialism.

Pope Francis also played a pivotal role during the 2015 United Nations meeting, contributing to the Paris Agreement. John Kerry, a former U.S. climate envoy, praised Francis as a strong advocate for climate action. In response to his leadership, the Laudato Si’ Movement formed to engage people worldwide, both religious and non-religious, in environmental efforts.

Despite these efforts, Indigenous communities, especially in the Amazon, suffer greatly from climate change. In response, Francis wrote Querida Amazonia, urging global respect for the Amazon rainforest. This work inspired initiatives like the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative, aimed at protecting both the environment and Indigenous rights.

With the transition to Pope Leo XIV, many are wondering if he will maintain Francis’s vision. A recent report from the College of Cardinals shows promising signs. In 2024, Leo emphasized moving “from words to action” regarding environmental policies. He advocates for a partnership with nature instead of domination. While his style may be less confrontational, his goals seem aligned with those of Pope Francis.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the conversation around climate action and justice continues. The legacy of Pope Francis remains a critical framework for the new pope, and how these values evolve will shape the Church’s role in addressing global challenges.

For more insights on Pope Francis’s impact on climate policies, see Time.

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