Pope Francis Leaves Behind a Legacy of Prioritizing Climate Change

The Pope, who centered his papacy on the needs of the people, made climate change a pillar of his activism

WASHINGTON — Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, died today at 88, leaving behind a legacy that centered on action to fight climate change. Antonieta Cádiz, Deputy Executive Director of Climate Power En Acción, released the following statement: 

“We join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a leader whose commitment to addressing the climate crisis has left an indelible mark on our global community. Pope Francis was unafraid to speak out about injustices and wrongs against those most vulnerable. That is why he never turned away from climate change. He understood that it was an issue that went further than rising temperatures and sea levels.

“Pope Francis illuminated the moral imperative to care for our common home, reminding us that climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us. His teachings guided individuals and leaders alike, urging us to consider our collective responsibility to one another and future generations.

“With nearly 20 million Latinos identifying as Catholic in the United States alone, Pope Francis’s influence reached deeply into our communities. His calls to action prompted discussions not only on climate policy but also on justice, equity, and the health of our communities. He has left us with a profound challenge: to be diligent stewards of the earth, protectors of our health, and advocates for those often left unheard in the conversation about climate justice. Let us honor his memory by continuing the fight for a sustainable and equitable future for all.”