The hope of humanity to avoid the worst of climate change is strengthened by the recent election of the new Pope Leon XIV. In the coming days, more details will be revealed about his views and actions regarding this global challenge.
Pope Leon XIV recognizes the serious situation of the world's most vulnerable people, including the Catholics of his dual nationality country, Peru, who will be most affected by the consequences of climate change. In a seminar last November, he expressed the need to transform words into concrete actions to address this issue.
Eight years after the encyclical Laudato Si' written by his predecessor, Pope Francis, Pope Leon XIV draws attention to the lack of compliance by world leaders concerning their climate commitments. He criticized Donald Trump's return to power and his negative climate policies, emphasizing the importance of moving from rhetoric to action.
The Vatican's commitment to sustainability has become evident with the installation of solar panels, electric vehicles, and plans for an agrivoltaic solar installation. Pope Francis was a strong advocate for the environment; his encyclical Laudato Si' inspired the Laudato Si' Movement that fights against climate change globally.
In his speeches, Pope Francis highlighted the need for a reciprocal relationship with nature, rejecting a tyrannical dominance over it. His environmental legacy has driven concrete actions in favor of sustainability, such as supporting the Paris climate agreements in 2015.
The election of the new Pope Leon XIV represents an opportunity to continue the work of his predecessor and face climate defeatism. The fellow cardinals who elected him appear to have considered his previous environmental commitment, recognizing the importance of honoring the legacy left by Pope Francis regarding the defense of the environment.
