When Pope Francis stepped into the papacy in 2013, he brought with him a renewed sense of urgency towards the climate crisis. His approach was deeply rooted in addressing the human and social consequences of environmental degradation, continuing the legacy of his predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

From the very beginning, Pope Francis captivated the world with his humble demeanor and genuine concern for the less fortunate. His commitment to caring for nature and the planet was unwavering, making him a global icon of humility and environmental stewardship.

While the Vatican’s stance on environmental issues had been evolving since the time of Pope John Paul II, it was under his leadership that the relationship between religion and science began to solidify. The shift towards a more inclusive view of climate change paved the way for subsequent popes to address sustainability within the Church.

Vatican City and the First Rise of Environmental Awareness

Pope John Paul II’s visit to Angola in 1992 marked a significant moment in the Church’s approach to environmental issues. His recognition of the need for humans to act as caretakers of nature rather than exploiters set the stage for a new vision of the relationship between humans and animals.

While traditional Catholic doctrine had positioned animals as inferior to humans, Pope John Paul II’s perspective granted them a more profound right to life. This shift in thinking laid the foundation for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss as urgent priorities.

A New Vision of the Relation between Humans and Animals

Building on Pope John Paul II’s legacy, Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the need for a renewed alliance between humans and the environment. In his 2010 Message for the World Day of Peace, he stressed the importance of cultivating peace through the protection of creation.

According to Pope Benedict XVI, this renewal requires increased dialogue between people, a concept that would later be revisited and expanded upon by Pope Francis.

Through their collective efforts, these three pontiffs have brought ethical urgency to the climate crisis, inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards within and beyond the Catholic Church.

The Intersection of Religion and Environmentalism: Insights from Popes Benedict XVI and Francis

In a thought-provoking speech back in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted the urgency of addressing global environmental issues, particularly those related to climate change. He emphasized the need for a collective, global effort to tackle these challenges. The Pope underscored the role of religion and culture as powerful forces that can foster dialogue and cooperation among people, ultimately promoting peace and sustainable development.

Pope Benedict XVI at a General Audience in 2012

However, Pope Benedict XVI also stressed the importance of a moral component in addressing environmental challenges. He pointed out the deep connection between environmental degradation and the moral decline of humanity, urging for a shift in personal habits to protect our planet.

This concept of ecological conversion, later expanded upon by Pope Francis, involves a transformation of individual behaviors to ensure the well-being of the Earth. Pope Benedict XVI advocated for a more inclusive view of the human-nature relationship, moving away from the notion of human superiority.

In his 2009 encyclical Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted the significance of truly comprehending nature. The Latin roots of the word comprehend, meaning “to take together,” underscore the interconnectedness of all elements of nature in the Pope’s perspective.

Fast forward to Pope Francis, who placed a strong emphasis on ecology and sustainability from the start of his pontificate. Inspired by the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love for nature, Pope Francis made environmental stewardship a central theme of his papacy.

Pope Francis and Madagascar’s President Andry Rejoelina attending a symbolic planting of a baobab tree on September 7, 2019

Pope Francis echoed Pope Benedict XVI’s call for a cultural shift, emphasizing that the planet’s well-being is intertwined with human well-being. In his landmark encyclical Laudato Sì, Pope Francis highlighted the need for a holistic perspective on caring for ecosystems, beyond mere economic considerations.

The concept of ecological conversion, championed by both Popes, involves a profound transformation in how individuals and societies interact with the environment. Pope Francis urged humanity to acknowledge the harm inflicted on nature and to take responsibility for their actions.

Under Pope Francis’ leadership, Vatican news outlets, including L’Osservatore Romano, focused on raising awareness about climate change and sustainability. The newspaper highlighted the devastating impact of climate change and pollution, urging readers to reflect on their lifestyles and embrace practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

By emphasizing the importance of policy action in addressing environmental challenges, Pope Francis has continued the legacy of his predecessors in promoting dialogue, cooperation, and ecological stewardship on a global scale.

The Vatican’s Role in Climate Change: A Look at Pope Francis’ Leadership

In a 2016 speech, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of increasing political consensus to protect our common home. This led the Vatican, under his leadership, to engage more actively in political discussions related to climate change and sustainability.

Laudato si’ is the second encyclical of Pope Francis, subtitled “on care for our common home”

This commitment was further emphasized in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Sì, where he stressed the significance of local efforts in combating climate change. He noted the importance of taking responsibility at the local level, fostering a sense of community, care, and creativity towards environmental protection.

Through his actions and discourse, Pope Francis promotes the idea of thinking globally but acting locally, highlighting the impact of grassroots movements in environmental conservation.

Pope Francis: A Catalyst for Change

Aside from climate change, Pope Francis has steered the Church towards a more inclusive and progressive stance on various issues, including homosexuality, migrants, and the intersection of science and faith.

In Laudato Sì, he emphasized the fruitful dialogue between science and religion, acknowledging their shared values and complementary nature.

Pope Francis plants a tree at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Bangladesh on November 30, 2017   (AFP or licensors)

Pope Francis’ message of dialogue and fraternity resonates in his interactions with diverse communities and his efforts to bridge gaps between differing perspectives.

Through his leadership, the Vatican has become a beacon of hope, advocating for unity, compassion, and proactive change in the face of global challenges.