On World Earth Day, April 22, 2025, as the global community unites to honour and protect our planet, we are reminded of the urgent need to cherish and sustain our world.
Today, the world dedicates this moment to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, and whose unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship transformed how we view our responsibility to Earth. His life was a testament to making the planet a healthier, more just place for all.
To mark this day, “On behalf of the more than 1 billion people who engage in Earth Day on its 55th anniversary, we express our deepest condolences for the passing of Pope Francis,” said Kathleen Rogers, EARTHDAY.ORG .
On Earth Day’s 55th anniversary, we honor @Pontifex , a true advocate for the Earth.
Read our full statement: https://t.co/9v3zSq5Jdo#earthday #popefrancis pic.twitter.com/EmdWCYIbBy— EARTHDAY.ORG (@EarthDay) April 21, 2025
“He was without a doubt the world’s most earnest and influential voice in protecting our planet. For more than ten years, Pope Francis has taken countless actions to bring to life the “cultural, spiritual, and educational” dimensions of the climate challenge.
“With deep emotion and sorrow, we received from the Vatican greetings from Pope Francis and a letter of support for Earth Action Day that echoes the spirit of his pontificate and the urgency of his message. On the 10th anniversary of Laudato sì, this gesture moves us profoundly, reminding us of the moral call to care for our common home. We are sincerely and humbly grateful for this blessing, which inspires us to carry forward his vision with renewed commitment and hope,” Kathleen Rogers, EARTHDAY.ORG .
Pope And His Green Legacy
A significant indication of the Pope’s work was the choice of the name Pope Francis. Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the papal name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, known among other things for his appreciation of the natural world, which he called a “mirror of God.”
Pope Francis, through his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, issued a clarion call to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, emphasising their deep ties to social inequality. He framed caring for the Earth as a moral and spiritual imperative, urging humanity to safeguard our “common home.”
He met with Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, at the height of her campaign to raise awareness among political leaders about the climate challenge.
His World Earth Day messages, such as his 2024 appeal to combat plastic pollution and his 2021 warning of an impending ecological crisis, galvanised individuals, communities, and leaders to act decisively.
Beyond words, Francis lived his principles. He endorsed divestment from fossil fuels, promoted renewable energy, and inspired the Laudato Si’ Movement, a global Catholic network advancing environmental action.
He publicly endorsed divesting from fossil fuels and called for a halt to their use. In his statements, he had criticised the use of fossil fuels and had called for lifestyle changes to save the planet. He has also pointed to the need for the world to address a “deeply troubling ecological debt” by cancelling the financial debts of poor nations due to excessive fossil fuel use by wealthy countries.
Francis’s simple lifestyle, embracing humility, reflected his teachings. His efforts extended to practical initiatives, like the Vatican’s commitment to carbon neutrality and support for sustainable development projects worldwide. His voice resonated across faiths and cultures, uniting people in a shared mission to protect the Earth.
As the world celebrates Earth Day, it’s best to honour Pope Francis by recommitting to his vision.
Let’s reduce waste, restore ecosystems, and foster equity, so our planet thrives for future generations. Today, let’s remember the man who loved this planet deeply and worked tirelessly to make it a home for all.
