Pope Francis was the first “green pope in history.” With his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, he connected the care of the environment with social justice, urging the world to hear “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” Through global diplomacy, meetings with youth activists like Greta Thunberg, and a strong ethical message, he has redefined the Catholic Church’s role in the fight against climate change.
Laudato Si’: The Vatican’s Green Revolution
Pope Francis was not only the first South American pontiff, and the first to take the name of the poor man of Assisi. He was also, without much doubt, the first pope truly committed to environmental issues, combining the care of the planet with the defense of the most vulnerable.
In 2015, through the encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis launched a historic call to action. Dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi and his love for creation, it quickly became a landmark in global environmental thinking. Yet, Laudato Si’ is more than a celebration of nature: it’s a bold political and spiritual manifesto connecting ecology, economics, and social justice. Its core message: “Let us hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
The document was the result of a long process, starting at the 2007 Latin American Episcopal Conference of Aparecida, where then-Cardinal Bergoglio already spoke of “integral ecology”—a concept now central to sustainability discussions.
From Theology to Global Climate Diplomacy
Pope Francis’s climate action reached global summits. His moral authority played a vital role in generating momentum for the Paris Climate Agreement, signed just seven months after *Laudato Si’*. Thanks to the Vatican’s silent yet powerful diplomacy, a once elusive global consensus was finally achieved.
Building Bridges: Pope Francis Meets Greta Thunberg
His message resonated strongly with youth activists. In 2019, Francis met Greta Thunberg, a global icon for climate change activism. Two years later, he welcomed Italy’s Fridays for Future delegation. Giacomo Zattini, a spokesperson at the time, recalled: “The pope’s support gave us legitimacy. It empowered young people and reignited adults’ forgotten battles.”
Unexpectedly, Francis became a reference figure for climate activists, even among those distant from the Church. His sustainability and spirituality approach helped bridge science, ethics, and politics.
A Broader Vision: Environment, Economy, and Society
*Laudato Si’* not only denounces the climate crisis. It also strongly critiques the dominance of profit, the misuse of technology, and the erosion of human relationships. Francis offers a vision reminiscent of Marxist analysis, yet firmly rooted in Catholic tradition. This blend of tradition and innovation defines one of the most fascinating and impactful papacies of modern times.
Not everyone agreed with him, but in terms of environmental leadership, his contribution is undeniable and historic.
A Legacy That Inspires Future Generations
Today, as global challenges—from wars to energy crises and AI disruptions—grow ever more complex, Pope Francis’s climate message remains critically relevant. He has shown that spirituality can drive real change, inspiring both young and old. Perhaps he truly was the first environmental pope—and certainly, he will be remembered as the leader who linked the destiny of the Earth to that of its most vulnerable people.
