Pope Leo XIV has asked everyone to recognize the climate crisis as an urgent need of the hour. He celebrated his first-ever papal Mass at the Vatican, dedicated to environmental care. It was held at the Vatican’s new ecological center in Castel Gandolfo. The Mass used a newly approved liturgy, Pro Custodia Creationis (For the Care of Creation), inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis in 2015.
A Bold Stand Amid US Climate Withdrawal
This appears to be a bold move by Pope Leo, especially when the US President has stepped back from almost every climate initiative. America has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, dropped climate funding, emphasized fossil fuels, and kept away from the UN’s climate initiatives. Even President Trump’s “Drill, baby, drill” mantra has repeatedly kept the U.S. away from climate care and environmental protection.
Pope Leo’s Appeal to Masses
In contrast, Pope Leo called for a “conversion of mindset” toward the planet. He also warned about the human excesses that are fuelling natural disasters. Continuing this message, Pope Leo has emphasized ecological justice and the Church’s responsibility to respond to “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.”
World’s First Carbon-Neutral State
The Pope also proposed a 430-hectare solar farm to make Vatican City the world’s first carbon-neutral state—a move that further underscores his commitment to sustainability. He condemned corporate greed and praised Indigenous communities for their resistance to environmental destruction.
His climate stance is in direct opposition to his home country’s political leadership. With this Mass, Pope Leo XIV is not just continuing Pope Francis’ environmental legacy, he is also challenging the conscience of his home country.
But the question is, Will Pope Leo’s call for climate responsibility inspire global action, especially in his home country? More importantly, will world leaders align with his vision?
Also Read: Climate Change: Earth’s Heat Imbalance Has Doubled In 20 Years, Surpassing Model Forecasts
Ankur Mishra is a journalist who covers an extensive range of news, from business, stock markets, IPOs to geopolitics, world affairs, international crises, and general news. With over a decade of experience in the business domain, Ankur has been associated with some of the reputed media brands. Through a sharp eye on global marketplaces along with deep insights and analysis of business strategies, Ankur brings simplicity to the complex economic matrix to decode market trends and empower people.
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