Pope Francis, climate advocate, passes away at 88

Pope Francis, who died at 88, was widely recognized as a global moral leader on climate action, framing environmental protection as a fundamental moral and spiritual responsibility. He directly linked environmental destruction to increased suffering for the poor and marginalized, and declared harming the environment a sin. His landmark 2015 encyclical 'Laudato Si' called for urgent global action and was credited by the UN and climate leaders as instrumental in shaping the Paris Agreement. Francis frequently challenged fossil fuel companies and wealthy nations to take accountability for their role in climate change, and his advocacy unified science and faith in addressing the crisis. His leadership built upon the environmental consciousness of his predecessors but was notably forceful and direct, inspiring both policymakers and grassroots movements. Tributes from the UN, climate negotiators, and world leaders have hailed him as an unwavering champion for climate justice and human dignity.