Sierra Club Statement on Passing of Pope Francis

Today, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, was an outspoken advocate for addressing climate change. His 2015 encyclical, entitled “Laudato Si’,” called on world leaders to address our planet’s worsening environment with the urgency it deserves and requires, including the replacement of fossil fuels “without delay.” He addressed oil and gas executives at the Vatican in 2018, reminding them that “energy use must not destroy civilization.” Noting the world’s failure to address the climate crisis rapidly enough, Francis updated his 2015 encyclical with 2023’s “Laudate Deum.”

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“Pope Francis used his role to advance not only the tenets of social and economic justice, but also climate justice. Pope Francis spoke plainly and with clarity about the climate crisis, correctly naming that the burning of fossil fuels only further exacerbates our peril and that the United States has a moral obligation to lead by example as the world’s leading historical emitter. His passing as the world prepares to recognize Earth Day tomorrow leaves us with a fitting reminder of the ways we can best serve our fellow humans—by doing everything in our power to ensure a livable planet for all people.”