In a significant address marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark environmental document Laudato Si’, Pope Leo issued a powerful call for global unity on climate change. Speaking on Wednesday, the Pope urged Catholics and all world citizens to continue the environmental advocacy of his predecessor, Francis, and to reject viewing the issue as a divisive one.
The new Pontiff spoke at a climate conference at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, where he was joined by figures including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brazil’s climate minister. He emphasized that the ecological challenges outlined a decade ago are even more urgent today.Focusing on grassroots action, Pope Leo stated that everyone in society must pressure governments to enact more rigorous environmental regulations. He stressed that citizens must take an active role in political decision-making at all levels to effectively mitigate damage to the planet.
While his most forceful comments echoed the phrases of Pope Francis, asking that care for our “common home” not be seen as a passing trend or a divisive issue, the address signals Pope Leo’s clear commitment to keeping climate change at the heart of the Church’s public dialogue.
