Pope Leo Emerges as the Climate Champion We Need

A New Era of Climate Leadership from the Vatican

While the leader of 340 million Americans is actively working against climate action, the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics is taking a strong stance in favor of environmental protection. This contrast highlights a significant shift in global leadership on climate issues.

In May, when Pope Leo XIV took over from the late Pope Francis, there was hope that he could become a key climate advocate. At a time when President Donald Trump seemed determined to turn the U.S. into one of the worst polluters, this new pope appeared to be a beacon of hope. So far, Leo has shown no signs of deviating from the green path that Francis walked, who was arguably the most environmentally conscious pope in recent history.

Italy's government recently approved a proposal by Francis to build a solar array in a field north of Rome. This project aims to provide "the complete energy sustenance of Vatican City State," as Francis described it. Leo supported the plan shortly after becoming pope, calling it an example for the world. "We all know the effects of climate change, and it is necessary to truly care for the whole world, for all of creation," he stated during an interview with Italian state TV.

The solar array still needs approval from the Italian parliament but would place the Vatican among the few countries generating all their power from renewable energy. While the Vatican is small—only 0.17 square miles—it represents a powerful symbol of commitment to sustainability.

Symbolism can have a significant impact. The addition of solar panels on the Vatican roof and an all-electric Popemobile are not just aesthetic choices. They reflect a worldview outlined in Francis' 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si, which criticized humanity's exploitation of the environment for short-term financial gain. This document linked climate issues with the church's social-justice mission, warning that environmental degradation would worsen global inequalities and cause suffering for many people, especially the vulnerable.

Francis' moral arguments were influential enough to encourage many world leaders to join the Paris climate accord in 2015. However, in the past decade, global interest in climate action has waned due to political backlash fueled by fossil fuel interests, as seen with Trump's administration.

Leo's rise coincides with this need for renewed commitment. He has taken steps to support the solar project and introduced a "green" Mass to the church's list of services. This Mass, called the Mass for the Care of Creation, was first celebrated last month at the Laudato Si' Center in Castel Gandolfo. During the service, Leo emphasized the urgency of caring for the Earth, wearing an emerald robe to symbolize his message.

Some Catholic critics argue that the new Mass does not go far enough. Additionally, Leo's progressive views, including his support for immigrants, may challenge conservative American Catholics who opposed Francis. These individuals have even been involved in Trump's government.

Despite these challenges, Leo's views align with those of most Americans. A 2023 poll by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University found that 72% of American Catholics believe environmental justice is a legitimate issue requiring urgent attention. In the same poll, "care for the environment" was ranked as the second most important issue for the church after "marriage."

A 2022 Pew poll revealed that 57% of U.S. Catholics consider climate change a serious problem, compared to 46% of Protestants. Francis' Laudato Si inspired a global movement of Catholic climate action.

Leo's commitment to Francis' message comes at a time when Europe is experiencing extreme weather events, including heat waves, wildfires, and floods. These disasters underscore the urgency of addressing climate change.

With some major parties to the Paris climate accord retreating from their commitments, it's clear that the need for voices advocating for the planet is greater than ever. Whether one is Catholic or not, the importance of this platform cannot be overstated.