The Green Gospel Continued

Pope Leo XIV took the throne of St. Peter just last week, becoming the first American vicar of Christ in the entire history of the Church. His quick election from the conclave of cardinals signals a momentous time not just for the Church, but for the ongoing global conversation regarding climate change and moral leadership. 

His predecessor, Pope Francis—a South American native—was a passionate advocate for environmental action. Francis repeatedly urged the world to take meaningful steps towards environmental protection, declaring that the Gospel compels us to care for God’s creation as a mandate. Pope Leo does not diverge from this path. Instead, he builds upon it with a renewed sense of hope. He has shown a strong commitment to addressing the climate crisis, approaching it with a fervor and zeal that seems to inspire many within and outside the Church.

Cardinal Prevost, who held that title before the papacy, emphasized that the Church must move “from words to action” by becoming agents of change when it comes to environmental care. In one of his earlier remarks while still cardinal he mentioned that humans must engage in a “relationship of reciprocity, ”urging humanity to recognize that our dominion over the earth is not one “tyrannical” in nature. Instead, it must be a deeper reflection of our duty as good stewards of God’s creation. 

Pope Leo has also connected the environmental crisis with the marginalized groups of society. He pointed out that the poor are disproportionately affected by climate change. These communities lack the resources and strong voice needed to stand up for injustices. 

By tying environmental justice to social justice, Pope Leo has made a statement: the environment is not only our home, but our shared responsibility to protect. As his new pontificate begins, Pope Leo will surely not be silent on the issue of the environment. His leadership will not break from Francis and his passion surrounding ecological justice is already clear from his work as a prince of the Church. With clarity and compassion, Pope Leo is just getting started—and the Green Gospel of Francis is set to grow louder and more compelling than ever before. Stay tuned.

~ Jack Van Moorleghem

Cover image linked here.