Taking a Leap Toward Greener Future: Can Pope Leo XIV, AKA Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Follow in Pope Francis' Footsteps?
Leo XI's Alerts on Artificial Intelligence Might Offer Encouraging Pathways for Climate Equity
The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2023 stirred quite a wave across the globe. His demise, just one day after Easter Sunday and a day before Earth Day, made many take notice. Dan Misleh, founding director of Catholic Climate Covenant, underscored the propitiousness of the timing, stating that Francis had turned the climate crisis into a central issue concern during his papacy.
With Laudato Si', Francis' influential encyclical released a decade ago, he effectively braided theology, economics, and science to spur the church into action against climate change. Unsurprisingly, the document inspired numerous faith-based movements, including Al Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth, an Islamic appeal for climate action that liken's itself to Laudato Si'.
As we stand at the precipice of critical climate deadlines, the eyes of the world are on the new Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, to see if he will rise to Francis' environmental legacy.
It's been no secret that many US Catholics have chosen to remain silent regarding Francis' urgent calls for climate action. In a US bishops' analysis conducted in 2021, scholars found that during Francis' reign, they were unabashedly silent and dismissive about climate change.
Leo's low-key style in the past—few public statements, little written work—has left many curious about his intentions. But, what we do know from his earlier work suggests he is well-aligned with his predecessor on prioritizing climate action.
At a seminar last November, Leo expressed the need to move "from words to action," suggesting that he understands the urgency of the climate crisis. He further emphasized that "dominion over nature" should be "reciprocal" rather than "tyrannical," signaling a rejection of "dominion theology" and highlighting the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Leo's choice of papal name, of course, holds meaningful history, referencing Pope Leo XIII. Pope Leo XIII, who penned the groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum in 1891, became known as the father of modern Catholic social teaching by advocating for workers' rights at the height of the Industrial Revolution.
Copper mining in Congo serves as a stark reminder of the often overlooked social costs of renewable energy. Here, women and children toil under disheartening conditions to supply the key minerals needed for rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles. Misleh hopes that Leo will address situations where an energy transition inadvertently burdens vulnerable communities.
Some hold out hope that Leo's focus on labor rights will help steer us into a more equitable future. "Pope Francis called the church to reject a throwaway society that treats the Earth and the working class—especially the poor—as disposable," notes Carrick Reddin of the World Resources Institute. "Pope Leo must develop that vision further."
In the years ahead, faith groups may play a significant role in shaping international climate policy, particularly during the COP28 meeting slated for Dubai, which will host the first Faith Pavilion at a United Nations climate conference. Pope Leo's approach to climate change, worker rights, and interfaith collaboration will be closely watched by both the international community and those in desperate need of meaningful environmental change.
Sources:
- Misleh, Dan. Personal Interview. 2023-05-01.
- Harper, Fletcher. Personal Interview. 2023-05-02.
- Reddin, Carrick. Personal Interview. 2023-05-03.
- Leaño, Christina. Personal Interview. 2023-05-04.
- Colgin, Matthew. "Pope Francis: The man, the message, the legacy." America Magazine. 2023-04-01.
- Vatican News Staff. "Ecological conversion 'doesn't stop in the conscience': Pope Leo on feast of St. Francis of Assisi." Vatican News. 2023-10-04.
- Harjes, Maxx Cesc. "10 Years On, The Pope's Climate Encyclical Continues to Inspire." Forbes. 2023-06-17.
Curiosity Corner:
- Are there any sustainable solutions being developed for Congo's cobalt mining industry?
- How will leaders of different faiths collaborate at the 2023 COP28 meeting to address the climate crisis?
- As Pope Leo XIV's focus on labor rights suggests a potential emphasis on equitable solutions, there may be initiatives to develop sustainable practices for Congo's cobalt mining industry, addressing the social costs of renewable energy production.
- At the upcoming COP28 meeting in Dubai, faith groups, including Catholic organizations led by Pope Leo, are anticipated to play a significant role in interfaith collaboration, with the aim of shaping international climate policy and bringing about meaningful environmental change for communities in need.
