New Pope Leo XIV Champions Climate Action, Justice

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8 as the first American pontiff and immediately drew praise for his deep commitment to climate justice, environmental protection, and social equity.

His election comes at a critical time for global climate action, with church leaders, activists, and policymakers lauding his alignment with Pope Francis’ ecological legacy and his strong record on environmental and human rights issues.

At a 2024 seminar in Rome, the then-Cardinal warned that the world must move “from words to action” on the climate crisis, rooted in the Social Doctrine of the Church.

He highlighted Vatican efforts such as installing solar panels and shifting to electric vehicles and urged that humanity’s “dominion over nature” must never become “tyrannical” but should reflect a “relationship of reciprocity” with the environment.

Pope Leo XIV, 69, brings decades of pastoral and administrative experience, including years serving in Peru and leading the Dicastery for Bishops and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Many observers see him as continuing the path set by Pope Francis, especially through Laudato Si’, the 2015 encyclical on environmental stewardship and “care for our common home.”

“This is a kairos moment—a time of unity and bold action,” said Lorna Gold, executive director of the Laudato Si’ Movement in the U.S.

“Pope XIV is the pope needed at this moment: a man who stands for unity, peace, and action for our planet,” she added.

Ana Toni, CEO of COP30 and Brazil’s lead for the 2025 UN Climate Summit, said the new pope’s focus aligns closely with their mission.

“Cardinal Robert Prevost has urged us to ‘move from words to action,’ which is also the motto for COP30,” Toni said.

She invited Pope Leo XIV to attend COP30 in Belem this November to help catalyze a global climate agreement rooted in equity and sustainability.

In the Philippines, climate and faith leaders also welcomed his election.

“Leo XIV can potentially usher in a papacy that takes on a courageous stance against corporate power, especially those responsible for the climate crisis,” said Jefferson Chua, campaigner at Greenpeace Philippines.

Chua cited the pope’s connection to social justice traditions, particularly Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, and urged him to “relentlessly call for justice and accountability on behalf of climate-vulnerable communities.”

Bishop Gerry Alminaza of Caritas Philippines also tied the new papacy to rising calls for fossil fuel divestment.

Speaking at the May 8 Standard Chartered AGM, Alminaza warned about the impacts of LNG projects on Philippine power prices and the Church’s commitment to divest from fossil fuel-linked banks by year’s end.

“This commitment reflects the vision of Laudato Si’, where Pope Francis calls on all of us to take shared responsibility and ensure genuine action,” Alminaza said.

Francisco Mena, director at the Ecumenical School of Religious Sciences in Costa Rica, said Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name reflects his mission.

“Leo XIV honors Leo XIII, the pope of labor dignity,” Mena said. “This signals a continued push for economic reform and environmental sustainability.”

He added that energy reform cannot succeed without a shift away from oil-dependent growth models, calling for an economy that protects both the environment and human dignity.

Faith-based campaigners expect Pope Leo XIV to advance the Church’s leadership role in climate negotiations, human rights advocacy, and just energy transitions, particularly in the Global South.

Observers also noted the pope’s previous criticism of climate inaction, such as his 2017 repost of a Catholic News Service article denouncing the Trump administration’s rollback of climate policies.