Pope Leo’s climate advocacy lauded
MANILA, Philippines — Environmental groups in the Philippines have welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s election amid his track record of climate advocacy.
Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Jefferson Chua said there are signs the pontiff will follow the footsteps of the late Pope Francis.
“Pope Leo XIV can potentially usher in a papacy that takes on a courageous stance against corporate power, especially those that have been responsible for the climate crisis, drawing from the social vision of his nominal predecessor Leo XIII,” Chua said.
Bishop Gerry Alminaza of Caritas Philippines said the Catholic Church has committed to respond to the climate crisis, pledging to divest from banks supporting fossil fuels by the end of this year.
“This commitment reflects the vision of Laudato si’ where Pope Francis calls on all of us to take shared responsibility and ensure genuine action for one another and our planet,” Alminaza noted.
Laudato Si’ Movement executive director Lorna Gold said Pope Leo XIV is the “pope needed at this moment.”
“As a man who has served communities in Peru and called for action on climate justice, we look forward to his leadership at this critical time,” Gold said.
Pope Leo XIV, 69, is the first pontiff from the United States.
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