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Pope Francis’s Climate Legacy Inspires Global Reassessment After His Passing

The late pontiff’s teachings on climate justice, Indigenous rights, and ecological stewardship continue to shape global climate action and faith-based advocacy.

Pope Francis delivers a speech during a meeting with representatives of indigenous communities of the Amazon basin from Peru, Brazil and Bolivia, in the Peruvian city of Puerto Maldonado, on January 19, 2018.
Pope Francis speaks during the meeting "Faith and Science: Towards COP26" at the Vatican October 4, 2021. Alessandro Di Meo/Pool via REUTERS
A nun reads Pope Francis' new encyclical titled 'Laudato si' at the Vatican June 18, 2015.
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Overview

  • Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ reframed climate change as a moral and social justice issue, influencing the landmark Paris Agreement and global climate policy.
  • His advocacy extended to Indigenous rights and ecological justice, with his teachings shaping Catholic social doctrines and inspiring grassroots activism worldwide.
  • The Laudato Si’ Movement, active in 140 countries, has trained 20,000 local climate leaders to advance sustainability and climate justice initiatives.
  • Despite his influence, surveys reveal limited familiarity with his environmental teachings among global Catholics, highlighting gaps in institutional engagement.
  • In his final message, Francis urged Brazilian bishops to lead pre-COP30 commitments, emphasizing his enduring impact on upcoming climate negotiations.