A decade after Laudato si’, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on ecology, the Catholic Church in Malaysia is transforming words into action with an impressive array of environmentally-conscious initiatives. Though the beloved pontiff has passed, his legacy of ecological stewardship continues to pulse vibrantly through Malaysian parishes, inspiring a new generation of environmental guardians within the Church.

From turning used cooking oil into biodiesel to eradicating plastic waste from church events, the Malaysian Catholic community has embraced the call for “ecological conversion” with fervent commitment. Pope Francis’ prophetic message has not only shifted mindsets but has catalyzed hands-on efforts to protect the planet, bridging faith and environmental activism.

In 2023, Malaysia’s bishops took a decisive step to institutionalize the Pope’s ecological message by signing the “Ecological Diocese Pledge.” This pledge declared their unwavering commitment to live out “deep ecological spirituality” and to promote environmental justice across parishes. All nine bishops affixed their signatures to this groundbreaking document and urged parish priests to do the same, setting the stage for systemic, church-wide green transformation.

The pledge includes practical frameworks such as carbon reduction goals, ecological self-assessments, and community resilience strategies tailored to local contexts. It signals a spiritual and operational alignment with the Pope’s vision, declaring a permanent commitment to be an “Ecological Diocese” rooted in action and creativity.

Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur has been at the forefront of this green revival, praising Pope Francis’ moral clarity on the climate crisis through Laudato si’ and its urgent sequel, Laudate Deum. Speaking to Vatican News, the archbishop stressed the necessity of integral ecological conversion, warning that humanity must act decisively before climate degradation reaches an irreversible point.

He continues to champion parish-wide environmental awareness, urging communities under his care to embrace sustainability as a spiritual imperative, not just a social choice.

One of the many parishes answering this call is the Church of St. Anthony in Kuala Lumpur. Under the leadership of Fr. Clarence Devadass, the church has adopted a zero-single-use-plastic policy. But beyond banning plastic cutlery and water bottles, Fr. Clarence has framed these changes as part of a deeper spiritual journey.

“This is not just about avoiding plastic,” he remarked. “It’s about fostering a culture where sustainability is part of how we live our faith. Caring for creation is not optional—it’s integral to our Christian identity.”

Among the Church of St. Anthony’s other green innovations is a candle recycling project, turning discarded wax into beautiful, fragrant candles. Volunteers, including youth from the parish, melt down used Christmas and Easter candles, re-cast them, and sell the new creations to parishioners. Proceeds—nearly RM10,000 to date—go toward helping the less fortunate with essentials like medical aid, groceries, and mobility support.

Volunteer Selvanathan reflected on the experience with wonder: “What was once considered waste has become something meaningful. Pope Francis’ words have shaped the way we look at even the smallest acts.”

In a powerful tribute to Pope Francis’ legacy, the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur has announced its participation in Malaysia’s national campaign to plant 100 million trees. On June 28, 2025, around 300 volunteers, mostly youth, will join hands to plant saplings across the nation, making tangible the Pope’s dream of ecological justice.

Fr. Andrew Manickam, parish priest and Creation Justice Ministry advisor, described the initiative as a “sacrament of solidarity” with creation. “By planting trees, we’re planting hope,” he said. “We’re taking action not just for the Earth, but for future generations.”

Taking innovation a step further, Fr. Andrew’s team is collecting used cooking oil from homes and eateries to produce biodiesel. This not only reduces waterway pollution—a growing concern in Malaysia—but also creates an eco-friendly alternative fuel for transportation. The project embodies Pope Francis’ call to rethink systems, value local solutions, and care for both people and planet.

Other grassroots efforts inspired by Laudato si’ include preworn clothing donation drives, food waste composting programs, and educational workshops on ecological spirituality. The spirit of the encyclical lives not in distant theories, but in the small, consistent actions of communities across Malaysia.

Through prayer, practical action, and perseverance, the Malaysian Church continues to honor the Pope who dared to ask, “What kind of world do we want to leave behind?” In their efforts, his voice is still heard—and his vision still lives.