by Laudato Si’ Movement | Apr 21, 2025
Pope Francis’ legacy has profoundly transformed Catholics’ understanding of the relationship between humanity, creation, and the Creator. Standing on scripture, centuries of scholarship, and decades of papal statements on the environment, he brought Catholic teaching to life in a new way for today’s ecological crisis.
A Prophetic Call to Integral Ecology
Published in 2015, Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical framed environmental degradation not as an isolated issue but as part of a broader crisis of Catholic values, calling for an “integral ecology” that links environmental protection with human dignity, poverty alleviation, and economic reform. This bold vision challenged Catholics—and the world—to move beyond abstract concern and embrace concrete action to protect this planet, the common home that is shared by all.
Diplomatic and Political Impact
One of the earliest and most significant impacts of Laudato Si’ was its influence on the Paris Climate Agreement. The encyclical was released just months before the negotiations, and Pope Francis actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to encourage world leaders to adopt the accord. His moral authority and advocacy helped shape the discourse, reinforcing the idea that climate action is not merely a political or scientific issue but a moral imperative. Today, the Holy See is an official party to the agreement, solidifying its long-term commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
Practical Action: The Laudato Si’ Action Platform
Beyond diplomacy, Pope Francis ensured that Laudato Si’ would translate into tangible action within the Church. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform, launched in 2021, has become a key initiative to mobilize Catholic institutions, religious orders, and individuals to implement sustainability measures in line with the encyclical’s vision. To date, this initiative has engaged over 20 million people, fostering widespread ecological conversion and inspiring practical commitments such as carbon neutrality, responsible consumption, and social advocacy.
Inspiring Traditions
In addition to institutional action, Pope Francis has championed grassroots movements that promote prayer and environmental stewardship. The Season of Creation, co-sponsored by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, is an annual period of prayer and action for creation that unites millions of Catholics and Christians worldwide. Similarly, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, marked by the Pope’s annual messages, reinforces the Church’s commitment to environmental care and encourages believers to integrate this responsibility into their spiritual lives.
The reach of Laudato Si’ has extended beyond Catholicism, influencing other religious traditions to take decisive action for creation. One of the most notable examples is Al Mizan, a landmark document often referred to as the “Muslim Laudato Si’.” This initiative has galvanized Islamic leaders and scholars to advocate for environmental protection, demonstrating how Pope Francis’ vision has fostered interfaith collaboration in the fight against ecological destruction.
Shaping a New Generation of Leaders
Beyond immediate policy and institutional responses, Laudato Si’ has sparked a broader cultural and intellectual movement. University programs dedicated to integral ecology have been established, and countless books and research initiatives have explored the intersection of faith and the environment. The 2022 documentary The Letter, featuring Pope Francis and frontline environmental advocates, has reached over 10 million viewers, further amplifying his message and inspiring new generations of ethical leaders committed to sustainability and justice.
Giving Voice to the Peripheries
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis prioritized the voices of those most affected by ecological and social crises. Laudato Si’ emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on the poor, indigenous communities, and marginalized populations. This commitment has been reflected in major global Church initiatives such as the Amazon Synod and the Synod on Synodality, which have given these communities a platform to speak on the challenges they face and advocate for systemic change. The Pope’s leadership has reaffirmed that the environmental crisis is inseparable from issues of economic inequality, migration, and human rights.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Pope Francis’ impact on ecological consciousness and action remains profound. His work has not only reshaped Catholic social teaching but has also influenced global policies, interfaith dialogue, and grassroots activism. His insistence that caring for creation is an integral part of Christian discipleship has ensured that ecological responsibility is now central to Catholic identity and mission.
Caring for the environment has been embedded in Catholic teaching for centuries and spoken about by popes for decades, but Pope Francis has placed a renewed emphasis on this dimension of faith, particularly in response to the current global ecological crisis. He has underscored that care for creation is not an optional concern but a fundamental element of Christian vocation, a shared responsibility to the poor, and a duty to future generations. Honoring God the Creator is now, more than ever, a core element of Catholic faith and will continue to be a defining aspect of the Church’s mission in the years to come.
