Three ways Pope Francis influenced the global climate movement

The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis. I met the late Pope in 2018 at the Vatican after a conference on climate change. I was involved in setting up the Laudato Si’ Research Institute at the University of Oxford, named after the Pope’s 2015 encyclical on climate change. The institute focuses on integral ecology, addressing social and ecological issues.

Pope Francis, from Argentina, has witnessed environmental destruction and poverty in South America. His concern for justice and the planet aligns with his religious leadership. In his papal letters, he called for global action on climate change and criticized the lack of implementation of international agreements.

The Pope’s advocacy for Indigenous people influenced global climate summits. He emphasized listening to Indigenous voices, which shaped Catholic social teachings. His efforts have inspired activism, with many climate activists citing him as a key influencer. Laudato Si’ has spawned a global movement coordinating climate activism.

As we look to the future, we hope the next Pope will continue Pope Francis’s legacy and drive positive change on climate issues.