NextFin news, ROME — On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong call to action on climate change during a global gathering marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark ecological encyclical, Laudato Si’, held near Rome.
Addressing approximately 1,000 representatives from environmental and indigenous groups, Pope Leo XIV condemned climate change skeptics who “ridicule those who speak of global warming” and urged society to pressure governments to implement tougher environmental standards. He emphasized the urgency of responding to the “cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor” ahead of the upcoming United Nations climate conference.
The Pope highlighted the moral imperative of ecological stewardship, stating, “We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures. Nor can we call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ without participating in his outlook on creation and his care for all that is fragile and wounded.” His remarks underscored the continuity of his environmental agenda with that of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Laudato Si’, published in 2015 by Pope Francis, framed care for the planet as an urgent moral concern and inspired a global grassroots movement advocating for environmental justice and protection of vulnerable communities most affected by ecological degradation.
Pope Leo XIV recalled Francis’ 2023 follow-up encyclical, which challenged world leaders to commit to binding climate targets, and criticized those who deny climate change or blame the poor for its consequences. He called for a profound “ecological conversion” beginning in the heart of every individual and society.
In addition to his speech, Pope Leo XIV has taken concrete steps to advance the Vatican’s environmental commitments, including approving a plan to transform an agricultural field north of Rome into a vast solar farm, which is expected to make Vatican City the world’s first carbon-neutral state.
Earlier in September, the Pope also addressed the climate crisis during the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, linking environmental destruction to injustice, violations of international law, and armed conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV’s address signals his intention to continue and expand upon Pope Francis’ ecological legacy, urging global citizens and leaders alike to take active roles in political decision-making to mitigate environmental damage and protect the planet for future generations.
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