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Pope: The environmental crisis is a facet of the socio-economic crisis
In a video message for the Tenth Austrian World Summit, Pope Leo XIV highlights faith, hope and love as themes that can help reflect on the climate crisis, which goes beyond simple environmental matters, but touches on social, ethical and economic issues.
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
In order to effectively respond to the climate crisis, we must address social and ethical issues at the foundation of our society, such as the equal dignity of all human beings and the value of human rights, Pope Leo XIV said in a video message released on Tuesday, June 16.
“The environmental crisis ‘is not an isolated issue, but rather the ecological aspect of the contemporary socio-economic crisis’,” Pope Leo said, quoting his recently published encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.
The Pope underlined how faith, hope and love are three themes that can help guide reflections on how we respond to the environmental crisis.
The Pope’s video message was addressed to the Tenth Austrian World Summit, an annual conference held in Vienna which aims to offer a platform for solutions and ideas to contrast the climate crisis.
It is taking place on June 16 and is organized by the Schwarznegger Climate Initiative, launched by actor and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarznegger.
Climate crisis a manifestation of the socio-economic crisis
Pope Leo XIV recalled how in Magnifica humanitas he highlighted the importance of “the equal dignity of all human beings and the value of fundamental human rights, both of which can be adequately ensured through the proper implementation of the principles of the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice.”
“These essential personal and social matters are intimately connected to the climate crisis, which, as I said, is one manifestation – and a critical one – of the wider socio-economic crisis,” the Pope noted.
“Indeed, unless they are addressed, no technical solutions for protecting the environment will have a chance of achieving their desired end.”
In this regard, he insisted on the need to pay particular attention to the poorest and those most vulnerable to environmental degradation when developing and reflecting on solutions.
Faith helps protect life and nature
Pope Leo XIV pointed out how this multifaceted approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of various issues affecting our societies is rooted in a faith perspective.
“Those who believe that our world was created by God and is inherently good are compelled to assume an even greater responsibility to care for creation, since this is the requirement of their faith,” he explained.
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue,” he continued, citing Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’.
Pope Leo also noted how many different religions understand creation as a divine gift and insist on the sacredness of life, thus “religious faith reinforces the overall desire to protect life and care for nature.”
Hope is a powerful driving force
With regards to hope, Pope Leo recognized that due to challenges and tensions facing the world today, there is “a growing awareness that peace is threatened by a lack of respect for creation, the plundering of natural resources and a progressive decline in the quality of life due to climate change.”
He also noted how in negotiations on climate issues, there is often the “fear of changing course, fear of losing power and fear of uncertain outcomes.”
In this respect, he urged international cooperation, “cohesive and forward-looking multilateralism,” and encouraged overcoming these fears.
The Pope emphasized that religious leaders and communities can play an important role in this, as “the Bible is full of examples of how people’s fears can be overcome by hope.”
“Despite the naysayers or cynics, hope can be a powerful driving force,” the Pope reiterated.
“It is not merely desirable but also genuinely possible that the progress at COP30 can be followed up with a just transition toward societies where the common good takes precedence over profit, and economic models are rooted in solidarity and human dignity.”
However, he noted that this requires wealthier countries to support poorer countries financially, and also to help these states by creating “a new person-centred international financial framework.”
Building a civilization of love
Lastly, Pope Leo XIV focused on the theme of love and the importance of “cultivating a genuine culture of care for our environment, which includes what Pope Francis called ‘civic and political love’.”
“In order to make society more human, more worthy of the human person, love in social life – political, economic and cultural – must be given renewed value, becoming the constant and highest norm for all activity,” which will then help devise larger strategies to counter the climate crisis, Pope Leo said, citing Laudato Si again.
Pope Leo XIV concluded by expressing his hope that the participants in the conference may promote a culture of care and contribute to building a civilization of love.
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