As cardinals gather in the Vatican to set a date for the conclave that will elect the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, the question on many minds is: ‘What kind of pope does the world need now?’
In an era marked by climate crisis, environmental degradation, and growing ecological injustice, the Community Transformation Foundation Network – COTFONE says, the next pope must be a climate activist.
The Planet Is in Danger, So Are Its People
From rising sea levels swallowing island nations, to deadly droughts and devastating wildfires, the effects of climate change are no longer a distant threat; they are a daily reality for millions.
The poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable, the very people the Church has always pledged to defend, are bearing the brunt of environmental destruction. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a humanitarian, ethical, and spiritual crisis.
Catholic Teaching Already Calls for It
Pope Francis took a historic step in 2015 with his encyclical Laudato Si’, calling on the world to hear “both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” He made it clear that caring for creation is not an optional part of faith, it is central to it. The next pope must build on this foundation, not merely in words but in bold, prophetic action.
A Moral Voice the World Needs
The Catholic Church is one of the most influential institutions on the planet, spanning every continent and culture. A pope who champions climate action could unite faith leaders, governments, and grassroots movements toward real, systemic change. He could push for policies that protect the environment, uphold indigenous rights, and demand justice for future generations.
Young Catholics Are Watching
Across the globe, young people, including young Catholics, are leading the charge on climate action. They are marching, organizing, and demanding accountability. They are looking to the Church not for empty platitudes, but for leadership and courage. A pope who is a climate activist would show young Catholics that the Church stands with them in fighting for a livable future.
Creation Care Is Faith in Action
At its core, faith is about stewardship, caring for what God has entrusted to humanity. Protecting the earth is not a political act; it is a deeply spiritual one. Choosing a pope who embraces this mission would affirm that caring for creation is a sacred duty, woven into the very heart of Catholic identity.
A Historic Opportunity
This conclave presents a historic opportunity. At a time when the planet groans under the weight of exploitation and neglect, the Church can offer hope, healing, and a call to conversion. The next pope must not be silent. He must be a voice for the voiceless, including the rivers, forests, animals, and future generations who cannot speak for themselves.
“The next pope must be a climate activist, because the health of our souls and the health of our earth are bound together,” Says Yisito Kayinga Muddu, the Director -COTFONE.
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