A History of Environmental Concern

Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy a documented history of environmental advocacy that suggests he will maintain the Catholic Church's increasingly vocal stance on climate issues. According to the College of Cardinals Report, which profiles papal candidates, the American-born pontiff has consistently warned against the "harmful" consequences of unchecked technological advancement and has closely aligned with his predecessor's environmental priorities. This alignment is not merely rhetorical but reflects a deep theological commitment to what Leo has described as a "relationship of reciprocity" with the environment rather than a "tyrannical" one. His environmental concerns are grounded in the Social Doctrine of the Church, a fundamental framework of Catholic social teaching that emphasizes human responsibility toward creation. As recently as November 2024, while still Cardinal Prevost, he participated in a Rome seminar dedicated to "addressing the problems of the environmental crisis," where he emphasized the need to move "from words to action." During this gathering, which brought together cardinals to discuss climate change's disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations worldwide, he specifically praised Vatican initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint through practical measures like installing solar panels and transitioning to electric vehicles.

Building on Francis's Environmental Legacy

Pope Leo XIV's election represents a likely continuation of the environmental advocacy that became a hallmark of Pope Francis's papacy. Francis made history as the first pontiff to take a strong public stance on combating climate change, beginning with his inaugural Mass in 2013 where he emphasized humanity's role as "protector" of the environment. This environmental focus became increasingly central to Francis's papacy, culminating in his 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si'" (Praised Be), which framed environmental protection as a moral imperative and criticized consumerism and irresponsible development. Francis consistently linked environmental stewardship with his central mission of uplifting the poor, noting that climate-related disasters disproportionately threaten the world's most vulnerable populations. "This is a global social issue and one intimately related to the dignity of human life," Francis declared in 2023, reflecting his view that environmental and social justice are inseparable concerns. Leo XIV's close relationship with Francis, having served as a senior adviser, suggests he will maintain this integrated approach to environmental and social justice. Climate advocates are particularly encouraged by this continuity, as Francis's papacy established the Catholic Church as an influential voice in global climate discussions, potentially influencing the more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

Global Environmental Leadership Expectations

Environmental leaders worldwide have expressed optimism about Pope Leo XIV's potential impact on climate action. Lorna Gold, executive director of the Laudato Si' Movement, a global network of Catholic organizations focused on environmental issues, described Leo as "a man who stands for unity, peace, and action for our planet." Gold drew a historical parallel, suggesting Leo XIV might follow in the tradition of Pope Leo XIII, who "broke the mold and ushered in a new era" with the first modern Catholic social teaching encyclical, Rerum Novarum, in 1891. This comparison suggests expectations that Leo XIV might produce similarly groundbreaking doctrinal statements on environmental issues. Ana Toni, CEO of the upcoming 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) scheduled for Brazil in November, expressed hope that Leo will "use his voice to expand Catholic efforts worldwide to mitigating global warming." Her statement reflects the significant role religious leaders can play in climate diplomacy, particularly as the Catholic Church maintains diplomatic relations with most nations and has observer status at the United Nations. As the first American pope, Leo XIV's leadership on climate issues could be particularly significant in influencing U.S. climate policy, where Catholic voters represent a substantial constituency.

Unique Qualifications for Environmental Advocacy

Pope Leo XIV brings several distinctive qualities to his environmental advocacy that may enhance his effectiveness on this issue. Manuel Pulgar Vidal, global leader of climate and energy at the World Wildlife Fund, highlighted Leo's "dual American and Peruvian nationalities" as a particular advantage. This bicultural background positions Leo to bridge North-South divides that often complicate international climate negotiations, potentially helping him connect with diverse audiences across the Americas and beyond. Vidal also noted Leo's "charismatic personality" and ability to connect with people, qualities that could make him an especially effective communicator on complex environmental issues. These personal attributes, combined with his theological grounding and institutional position, create a unique platform for environmental advocacy. Leo's American nationality is particularly significant, as it may give him special credibility when addressing climate issues in the United States, where Catholic environmental teaching has sometimes been contested. At the same time, his deep connections to Peru and Latin America, a region disproportionately affected by climate impacts, may inform a perspective that centers the experiences of vulnerable communities facing environmental challenges.

The Theological Foundation of Leo's Environmental Stance

Pope Leo XIV's environmental advocacy appears firmly rooted in Catholic theological tradition rather than merely reflecting secular environmental concerns. In his previous statements, Leo has emphasized that the Church's involvement in climate issues stems directly from the Social Doctrine of the Church, which teaches that humans have responsibilities toward creation as stewards rather than absolute owners. This theological grounding distinguishes Catholic environmental teaching from purely scientific or political approaches to climate change. Leo has specifically articulated a vision of environmental relationship based on "reciprocity" rather than exploitation, language that echoes Francis's concept of "integral ecology" developed in Laudato Si'. This approach views environmental problems as inseparable from social and economic justice concerns, rejecting both unfettered capitalism and technological solutions that ignore ethical dimensions. By framing environmental protection as a moral and spiritual imperative rather than simply a policy preference, Leo positions the Church to offer a distinctive voice in climate discussions that can potentially appeal across political divides. This theological foundation also connects environmental concerns to core Catholic values like human dignity, solidarity with the poor, and care for creation.

Potential Impact on COP30 and Global Climate Policy

Pope Leo XIV's election comes at a critical moment in global climate policy, just months before the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) scheduled for November in Brazil. This timing creates a significant opportunity for the new pontiff to influence international climate negotiations. Ana Toni, CEO of COP30, specifically mentioned hoping Leo will "energize followers, governments, and leaders around the world to unite and protect life in our wonderful Planet." This statement reflects recognition of the moral authority religious leaders can bring to climate discussions that often become mired in technical details and national interests. The location of COP30 in Brazil, a predominantly Catholic country in a region where the Church maintains significant influence, further enhances the potential impact of papal environmental advocacy. Leo's Peruvian connections may give him particular credibility in Latin America, a region facing severe climate impacts including deforestation, extreme weather events, and agricultural disruption. The Catholic Church's global institutional presence, with parishes and organizations in nearly every country, provides a unique infrastructure for disseminating environmental teachings and mobilizing grassroots action that could complement formal diplomatic processes.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the optimism surrounding Pope Leo XIV's environmental stance, he faces significant challenges in translating moral authority into concrete action. The Catholic Church, like many global institutions, contains diverse perspectives on environmental issues, with some conservative elements questioning the emphasis on climate change. Leo will need to navigate these internal tensions while maintaining the Church's prophetic voice on environmental matters. Additionally, translating religious teaching into policy influence requires careful diplomacy in increasingly secular societies where religious authority is sometimes contested. However, Leo's dual nationality and experience bridging different cultures may equip him well for this challenge. The upcoming COP30 conference presents an immediate opportunity for the new pontiff to demonstrate environmental leadership. As Manuel Pulgar Vidal noted, Leo's "commitment has been expressed not only to the climate but also to the poor and migrants," suggesting he will maintain the integrated approach to environmental and social justice that characterized Francis's papacy. This holistic perspective on environmental issues, addressing both ecological and human dimensions, offers a distinctive contribution to global climate discussions often dominated by technical and economic considerations.

The Symbolic Power of Papal Environmental Advocacy

Beyond specific policy initiatives, Pope Leo XIV's environmental advocacy carries powerful symbolic significance that may influence broader cultural attitudes toward climate change. As head of the world's largest religious institution, with more than 1.3 billion followers globally, the pope's moral voice reaches audiences that might be unreceptive to messages from scientists or political leaders. By framing climate action as a moral imperative rather than merely a political or economic issue, papal advocacy can potentially transcend partisan divides that have complicated climate policy in many countries. Leo's American nationality adds particular significance to this symbolic dimension, as the United States remains crucial to global climate efforts while also being home to significant climate skepticism. The choice of the papal name Leo may itself carry environmental significance, potentially evoking Leo XIII's groundbreaking social teaching while suggesting a similar willingness to address contemporary challenges with doctrinal innovation. As Lorna Gold of the Laudato Si' Movement suggested, Leo XIV may follow in the tradition of Leo XIII who "broke the mold and ushered in a new era" with new social teaching. This historical parallel suggests expectations that environmental concerns will remain central to Catholic social teaching under the new papacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Pope Leo XIV has demonstrated strong environmental commitment, calling for moving "from words to action" on climate change and praising Vatican initiatives like solar panels and electric vehicles while grounding his approach in Catholic Social Doctrine.

• Environmental leaders including Lorna Gold of the Laudato Si' Movement and Ana Toni of COP30 have expressed optimism that Leo will continue and potentially expand Pope Francis's climate advocacy, particularly with the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil.

• Leo's unique qualifications for environmental leadership include his dual American and Peruvian nationalities, which could help bridge North-South divides in climate discussions, and his close alignment with Francis's integrated approach linking environmental protection with social justice and care for vulnerable populations.