Remembering Pope Francis’ Climate Leadership 

AGU mourns the passing of Pope Francis. 

A champion for people around the world, His Holiness staked out important new ground in spreading awareness, education and hope in facing the global climate crisis.

Many actions by Pope Francis speak to his commitment to the climate issue. In 2015, in a first time papal encyclical on climate, Laudato Si, Pope Francis cited the vulnerability of poorer populations and nations to climate change. The climate commitment ran throughout his papacy. Just two years ago in 2023, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation regretting the slow pace of progress in addressing the climate crisis and pleading with world leaders to work together to speed actions especially toward fossil fuel reductions. His leadership inspired faith leaders to step up and collaborate with researchers and scientists.

AGU has been proud to continue these productive partnerships in our convenings and programs. As we reflect on and celebrate the life of Pope Francis, AGU remains committed to ensuring that the faith community and the science community work together for a more just, hope-filled world.