Pope Francis, Global Climate Advocate, Dies at 88

Pope Francis, who recently passed away, was widely recognized as the most progressive and vocal environmental advocate among modern popes, centering climate change as a core issue of his papacy. He framed environmental protection as a matter of faith and human dignity, notably issuing the landmark 2015 encyclical 'Laudato Si’,' which called for urgent action to address the ecological crisis and its disproportionate impact on the poor. His leadership helped inspire global momentum, with his words influencing the adoption of the Paris Agreement and being cited by numerous world leaders. While his focus on climate change brought new moral and spiritual dimensions to the environmental movement, it also drew criticism from some within the church for bringing politics into religious matters. Environmental organizations and religious leaders alike have praised his legacy, hoping his successor continues his advocacy. Through his teachings, Pope Francis consistently urged a unified approach to protecting both the planet and society’s most vulnerable.