Climate Change Campaigning in the Catholic Church

Pope Paul VI

Pope Paul VI identified concerns that are readily discussed today. Politicians, spin doctors, experts, specialists, protestors etc.. all want to have their say. But really, the danger signs were evident 50 years ago. Paul VI declared the “deterioration of the environment risks provoking a veritable ecological catastrophe. Already we see the pollution of the air we breathe, the water we drink. We see the pollution of rivers, lakes, even oceans — to the point of inspiring fear of a true biological death in the near future, if energetic measures are not immediately and courageously taken and rigorously put into practice.” (Full text of address available here).

Following this a year later, in an apostolic letter marking the 80th anniversary of “Rerum Novarum” encyclical (Full text available here), he stated in paragraph 21: “While the horizon of man is thus being modified according to the images that are chosen for him, another transformation is making itself felt, one which is the dramatic and unexpected consequence of human activity. Man is suddenly becoming aware that by an ill-considered exploitation of nature he risks destroying it and becoming in his turn the victim of this degradation. Not only is the material environment becoming a permanent menace – pollution and refuse, new illness and absolute destructive capacity – but the human framework is no longer under man’s control, thus creating an environment for tomorrow which may well be intolerable. This is a wide-ranging social problem which concerns the entire human family. The Christian must turn to these new perceptions in order to take on responsibility, together with the rest of men, for a destiny which from now on is shared by all.“

Pope John Paul II

Throughout the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict, the issues surrounding Climate Change have shared centre stage with associated social justice issues. They cannot really be divorced.

Despite general scepticism about climate change at the time, and limited general climate change knowledge, he highlighted concerns several decades before it was fashionable. He stressed the way forward must be with the underlying ethics of respect for life, and dignity of the human person as the guiding principles to enable scientific, technological or economical progress. A new solidarity was needed, with the focus on the global common good, including the redress of multiple social injustices such as structural poverty (ie from deforestation), war, disease, etc

Science and faith began to speak the same language – and expressed the same, grave concerns.

Pope Benedict

The “Green” Pope – who referred to the need for greater care for creation across the globe on multiple occasions. He was able to implement measures within the Vatican City to achieve status as the world’s first carbon neutral country. Under his stewardship, a forest was planted to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from the Vatican. He had solar panels installed at the Vatican – and placed a target that 20% of electricity used in the Vatican would be renewable by 2020. He used an electric Popemobile. In 2009, he addressed world leaders to “promote a joint development based on human dignity and for the common good.”

In addition to several sermons where he urged all people, but particularly Catholics, to become more committed to our environment, he called us all to become “guardians of nature” and follow in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of ecology. The Sermon on 1st Jan 2010 was entitled “If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation”. (Full text of World Day of Peace 2010 available here). He linked human development to the relationship we have with the natural environment – and each one of us has a responsibility for it’s stewardship.

Prior to announcing his resignation, he spoke to a large group of Italian students, stating “Today more than ever, it has become clear that respect for the environment cannot forget the recognition of the value of the human person and its inviolability at every stage and in every condition of life. Respect for the human being and respect for nature are one, but both can grow and find their right measure if we respect in the human being and in nature the Creator and his creation. On this, dear young people, I believe to find allies in you, true “guardians of life and creation.” (Guardian 12th Feb 2013).

For Pope Benedict, climate change was only one of many “modern” complicated issues affecting society. It was during his papacy the Vatican declared pollution among the newer seven modern “social sins” impacting the modern world. None of these can be easily separated from each other.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis may be the “greenest” pope to date”. He holds a MSc in Chemistry, and is a Jesuit by religious training so it is likely environmental issues have been close to his heart and mind for many decades. His encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015) would suggest this. Full Text of Laudato Si’ encyclical available here.

It is a papal encyclical, meaning it has a particular gravitas in its publication. He is the leader of the Roman Catholic world. But Laudato Si’ is for everyone. It isn’t just for Catholics.

In it Pope Francis draws together the issues and concerns raised through apostolic letters/addresses from his predecessors surrounding the environment – and states the case for urgent action to care for our common home. The scientific knowledge available now allows his encyclical to examine, summarise and propose a new way of thinking and doing. But it has be collaborative. And it requires everyone, at every level of society.

He revisits the “example par excellence” in St Francis of Assisi. “Francis helps us to see that an integral ecology calls for openness to categories which transcend the language of mathematics and biology and take us to the heart of what it is to be human.” He calls for a new dialogue. He has been calling for this since he was elected Pope. He has and is prepared to again provide the voice of conscience to world leaders to respond to the “Cry of the Earth” and the “Cry of the Poor”. “I urgently appeal for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing and its human roots, concern and affect us all.”

Thought for the Day – Radio 4

Listen to His Holiness reflect on climate change and the environment on Radio 4’s Thought for the Day on 29th October ahead of the COP26 UN Climate Change Summit.

Prayer for COP26 31st Oct – 12th Nov

Loving God, we praise your name with all you have created. You are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of creatures. We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us as stewards of your creation. May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society. Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions for the poorest and most vulnerable and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.