Pope Leo XIV prayed for the world to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis during his first papal Mass using a new set of prayers and readings inspired by Pope Francis’ environmental legacy.
The Mass, held in the gardens of the Vatican’s ecological educational center, aimed to promote ecological continuity with Francis’ pontificate. The pope emphasized the need for people to change their mindset about the planet and its impact on climate change.
“We must pray for the conversion of so many people who still don’t recognize the urgency of caring for our common home,” Leo said. He also highlighted the importance of addressing human excesses that contribute to natural disasters.
The new liturgy formula, inspired by Francis’ encyclical Praised Be (Laudato Si), was crafted in response to requests from those affected by climate change. Pope Leo has indicated his intention to further Francis’ ecological legacy and make Vatican City a carbon-neutral state through the development of a solar farm on a 430-hectare site.
The pope’s commitment to environmental action is consistent with his experience as a missionary in Peru, where he witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities. He has already spoken out about the need for climate justice for Indigenous peoples and expressed concern over deforestation and pollution.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-green-mass-climate-justice-4a65f5d0897016d654589439032433b3