Pope Leo XIV Leads First Mass for Climate Action at Vatican Ecology Center

Pope Leo XIV has emerged as a strong advocate for environmental responsibility, continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, by emphasizing the moral imperative for the Catholic Church to address climate change and care for creation. He celebrated the first Mass using a new formulary dedicated to the care of creation at the Laudato Si’ Village in Castel Gandolfo, calling for prayer and conversion among those indifferent to the ecological crisis and highlighting the human lifestyle's role in natural disasters worldwide. The Mass, attended by Vatican officials and ecological educators, underscored the urgency of moving from words to action and the Church's commitment to sustainability, including adopting solar and electric technologies. Pope Leo lamented the widespread harm caused by environmental degradation and urged the faithful to embrace their mission of peace and reconciliation with the natural world. This papal initiative not only reinforces the Church's environmental teachings dating back to Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI but also seeks to inspire both grassroots and global efforts toward a cleaner, healthier future. By interrupting his summer holiday for this cause, Pope Leo signals the high priority he places on ecological issues amid ongoing global warming and social challenges.