Tribute to Pope Francis: The environmental pope

• His advocacy for the earth has deeply impacted the Church & the world
• Released Laudato si’ the first papal encyclical dedicated to the environment

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, leaves behind a profound legacy as the “Environmental Pope”— a shepherd who elevated the care for creation to the heart of Catholic teaching and global conscience. His papacy marked a turning point, not only for the Church but for the world, in recognizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of the environmental crisis.

A Moral Voice for the Planet

From the outset of his pontificate, Pope Francis signaled a new era by choosing the name of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, reflecting his vision to repair not just the Church but the very fabric of creation. He consistently framed environmental stewardship as a core element of Christian discipleship, insisting that the destruction of nature is a grave moral failing that disproportionately harms the poor and vulnerable.

Laudato Si’: A Landmark Encyclical

In 2015, Pope Francis released Laudato si’, the first papal encyclical dedicated entirely to the environment. This groundbreaking document called for an “integral ecology,” recognizing that the climate crisis is inseparable from issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice. He wrote, “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental”. Laudato si’ resonated far beyond the Catholic world, earning praise from global leaders and inspiring a surge in faith-based environmental activism.

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