Pope Francis' Legacy: Earth Day & Environmental Stewardship
Cna staff, April 22, 2025 / 08:00 am.
Did the world lose a voice of conscience, a shepherd of souls, and a champion of the environment all in one man? Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21st in Rome at the age of 88, leaves behind a legacy that intertwines spiritual leadership with an unwavering commitment to our planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants. His life's work serves as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of faith, ethics, and environmental stewardship.
Pope Francis, formerly known as Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, dedicated his pontificate to addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, with a particular emphasis on environmental protection and social justice. He frequently called for decisive action on the climate crisis, imploring his followers to embrace their roles as responsible stewards of the Earth. His criticisms extended to the practices of wealthy nations and the often-unchecked forces of capitalism, highlighting the urgent need for a more equitable and sustainable global order. Pope Francis's vision went beyond politics, viewing environmental care as a moral and spiritual imperative.
| Pope Francis: A Life in Service | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025, in Rome, Italy |
| Previous Titles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Key Contributions |
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| Notable Works |
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| Reference | The Vatican Official Website |
His commitment to these issues was not merely rhetorical. Pope Francis authored the first papal encyclical solely dedicated to the environment, a landmark document titled "Laudato Si'." This encyclical, meaning "Praise Be to You," presented a Christian vision of ecology, drawn from his writings and discourses. It underscored the urgency of responding to the global ecological crisis with a unified global approach. He called for the entire human family to collaborate in the pursuit of sustainable and integral development, emphasizing the need to protect our shared home. The encyclical served as a powerful call to action, urging individuals and nations to recognize the interconnectedness of all things and to take responsibility for the health of the planet.
Pope Francis's reflections often drew upon biblical themes and teachings, including Jesus' promise to his disciples, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am." This promise of a future home resonated with his broader message of hope and the importance of cherishing the present, while simultaneously striving for a better future for all. He saw the divine spark within each person, emphasizing that "God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us."
The book "On Heaven and Earth" (Spanish: "Sobre el cielo y la tierra"), a collection of conversations between Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio and Argentine Rabbi Abraham Skorka, provides valuable insights into his perspective on faith, family, and the challenges facing the Catholic Church in the 21st century. First published in Spanish in 2010, it offered a glimpse into the mind of the man who would later become Pope Francis, revealing his commitment to dialogue and understanding between different faiths.
His message extended especially to the younger generation. He frequently encouraged them to embrace their potential, to make courageous choices, and to live lives of faith. "Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. The Lord will not abandon you! Have faith," he would implore. He consistently reminded them that they were not alone in their struggles and that the Lord was always with them.
Pope Francis, in his message for the 2024 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, once again appealed for a global conversion. He urged humanity to acknowledge the disastrous effects of war and to set ethical limits on the development of artificial intelligence. His concerns regarding AI underscore the rapidly changing world and his awareness of the need for thoughtful consideration regarding the ethical and societal implications of new technologies.
Cardinal Bergoglio's interactions with Rabbi Skorka, documented in "From the Man Who Became Pope Francis," a New York Times bestseller, highlight his long-standing commitment to interreligious dialogue. Through this work, he shared his thoughts on religion, reason, and the challenges facing the world in the 21st century. It revealed the depth of his intellectual curiosity and his belief in the importance of collaborative efforts to understand the world better.
His encyclical "Laudato Si'," which became a cornerstone of his environmental advocacy, focused on the interconnectedness of all life. He expressed a desire to "hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor." This sentiment encapsulates his core belief in the necessity of integrating care for the environment with a commitment to social justice.
In line with his belief, Pope Francis's actions served to amplify the essential message of the gospel: "God is love" (1 Jn 4:8). His goal was to establish in the world a kingdom of love, justice, and peace. He aimed to ensure that this kingdom, where Jesus reigns, permeates every aspect of human life.
The world marked Earth Day on April 22, 2024, Pope Francis reiterated his urgent plea for bold action for our shared home and for world peace. He consistently reiterated his urgent plea, recognizing the intertwined nature of environmental challenges and the need for global solidarity.
From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis swiftly emerged as a moral voice on climate change and other environmental crises. His unwavering commitment transformed him into a global leader. His message inspired Catholics and others to take responsibility for environmental stewardship.
As the world observed Earth Day on April 22, 2025, Pope Francis's call to care for creation continued to inspire catholics across the globe. His influence endures in his call to care for creation, inspiring individuals across the globe.
In 2015, Pope Francis authored "Laudato Si'," a letter addressing every person on earth, concerning the looming impact of humanity on the planet and ourselves. His work emphasized the importance of individual and collective responsibility in the face of environmental challenges.
The shared endeavor of Pope Francis and Rabbi Skorka to foster bridges between Catholicism, Judaism, and the wider world. Their efforts highlighted the power of conversation to break down barriers and promote peace.
