Pope Francis transformed the global conversation on climate change by infusing it with moral and spiritual urgency, framing care for the environment as not just a scientific or political imperative, but a deeply human one. Building upon the groundwork laid by his predecessors—John Paul II and Benedict XVI—Francis gave fresh momentum to the Church’s evolving relationship with nature, grounding it in humility, inclusiveness, and action.

His papacy began on 13 March 2013 with a humble greeting—“Brothers and sisters, good evening”—that instantly signaled a break from tradition. It was the voice of a leader rooted in the lives of everyday people, concerned with the vulnerable and profoundly attuned to the plight of the planet. Even after his passing, Francis is remembered not only for his personal humility and solidarity with the poor, but for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the Earth—our “Common Home.”

Although the Church had long engaged with ecological concerns, it was during John Paul II’s tenure that the Vatican first began to seriously consider environmental issues. Initially cautious in tone, the Church's view was grounded in traditional theology, where humans were seen as stewards of creation but superior to it. Influenced by thinkers like St. Thomas Aquinas, animals and ecosystems were historically viewed as secondary to human needs, which posed challenges in addressing environmental degradation.

John Paul II, however, began reshaping that narrative. In Redemptor Hominis and later public statements, he redefined humanity’s role from exploiters to caretakers of creation. He went so far as to suggest that animals, too, possess a divine spark—a “breath” from God—thus inviting a broader moral obligation toward all living beings.

Pope Benedict XVI advanced this shift with clarity and theological depth. In his 2010 message If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation, he emphasized the need to heal the fractured relationship between humans and nature. He linked ecological destruction with moral decline and called for an "ecological conversion"—a transformation of hearts and habits rooted in moral responsibility. His encyclical Caritas in Veritate framed the human-nature bond as one of interconnectedness, redefining comprehension not as domination but as coexistence.

Then came Francis, whose very choice of name—after St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology—was a declaration of priorities. He made ecology a central theme of his papacy. In Laudato Sì (2015), he called for a sweeping cultural transformation, condemning economic systems that prioritize profit over planet and challenging people to reevaluate their personal and collective behaviors. He warned that environmental neglect reflects a deeper spiritual illness and that healing the Earth requires introspection and repentance.

Francis brought these ideas into the Church’s media strategy as well. Under his guidance, the Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano became a platform for raising awareness on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. It paired news reporting with ethical reflection, encouraging both political advocacy and individual action. His words echoed across diplomatic arenas too; though health concerns prevented his attendance at COP28, his commitment to global climate policy was clear.

Yet, for Francis, global efforts alone are not enough. He championed grassroots action and local accountability, urging communities to “think globally, act locally.” He believed in the transformative power of ordinary people—especially youth—to protect the environment and demanded that the Church amplify these voices.

In addition to ecological stewardship, Pope Francis led the Church through a broader evolution. He softened its stance on contentious issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, migration, and scientific collaboration. He saw science and faith not as adversaries but as partners in understanding truth and fostering dialogue. This vision of mutual enrichment culminated in the ethos that framed his entire papacy: humility, inclusivity, and open-hearted communication.

“Brothers and sisters, good evening”—that simple greeting encapsulated Francis’s mission. It was more than a welcome; it was a call to communion—with one another, and with the planet we share.