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Published April 22, 2025 12:24pm
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, leaving behind a legacy of inclusivity, justice, and climate action.
On social media, Leonardo Di Caprio paid tribute to the church Leader saying he "was a transformational leader — not only for the Catholic Church, but also for environmental reform and activism."
Like most tributes of climate and environmental personalities, the Hollywood actor pointed to Pope Francis' Laudato Si, the Church's first official teaching on the environment that Leo said "served as a clarion call for a fundamental shift in how we relate to the planet."
The encyclical, published ahead of COP21 in June 2015, "was conceptualized as a statement of the Vatican to COP21.”
"Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life, Pope Francis urged individuals, communities, institutions, and world leaders to unite in caring for our common home," Leo added in his caption.
He is just one of the many environmentalists and climate groups, who paid tribute to the Pope.
On social media, Greenpeace Philippines mourned the passing of "Lolo Kiko," saying "Environmental activism has lost an ally, beloved leader, and champion of the Global South in Pope Francis, who used his immense platform to advocate for communities disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation."
The World Meteorological Organization called Pope Francis "a spiritual leader of immense compassion."
"Pope Francis shared our concerns about climate change and its impacts at the intersection of climate change and inequalities," WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saul said.
In their tribute, WWF Philippines said Pope Francis "was more than a spiritual leader. He was a powerful force for environmental stewardship and social equity. He reminded us that we are all connected, each of us part of one planet, one shared home."
Meanwhile renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe said "Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and continuing call to protect our common home and all who share it with us."
In 2023, Pope Francis built on his Laudato Si with Laudato Deum, an apostolic exhortation where he said
“Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident.”
In the document, published ahead of COP28 in Dubai, Pope Francis said "it is no longer possible to doubt the human — 'anthropic' — origin of climate change."
"Our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point. In addition to this possibility, it is indubitable that the impact of climate change will increasingly prejudice the lives and families of many persons," he said.
In his tribute, Leo said "Pope Francis was one of the most extraordinary spiritual leaders of our time. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists around the world. May he rest in peace."
— LA, GMA Integrated News
