EarthBeat Weekly: In first 100 days, what has Pope Leo XIV said about climate and environment?

In first 100 days, what has Pope Leo XIV said about climate and environment? Earthbeat Weekly Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change August 15, 2025 Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass "for the care of creation" on the grounds of the Borgo Laudato Si’ ecology center in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 9, 2025. (CNS photo/Cristian Gennari, pool) Saturday (August 16) marks 100 days with Pope Leo XIV.  On the eve of this occasion, Kielce Gussie, a freelance reporter based in Rome, compiled a list of 10 meaningful moments so far in Leo XIV's papacy for NCR, including a surprise visit to the Augustinian residence in Rome (the religious order of which he is a member), numerous calls for an end to war and a return to the papal tradition of summer vacation at Castel Gandalfo.  Read more : 100 days. 10 moments. 1 US-born pope. Tomorrow at EarthBeat, you'll find our summary of occasions when Leo XIV has referenced climate change and other environmental issues during his first 100 days as global leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Echoing Pope Francis' emphasis on integral ecology, we found that often the way Leo XIV has talked about ecological concerns is as a non-negotiable component of Catholic teaching in connection to other world issues. You'll find that story on the EarthBeat homepage Saturday morning and throughout the weekend. In the meantime, here's a chronological list of the times Leo XIV has referenced environment-related issues throughout his first 100 days as pope. May 10: Address to the College of Cardinals May 16: Audience to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See May 17: Address to members of the "Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice" foundation May 18: Homily for the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV May 20: Video message to the meeting of universities in Rio de Janeiro on Laudato Si' May 25: Regina Caeli in St. Peter's Square June 7: Homily for the vigil of Pentecost June 16: Address to the bishops of Madagascar June 16: Address of the Holy Father to the participants of the summer school of astrophysics promoted by the Vatican observatory June 26: Address to participants in the plenary session of the "Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches" June 30: Message for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation June 30: Message to participants in the 44th session of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Conference July 9: Homily for the Mass for the Care of Creation July 28: Message for the gathering of the Scouts et Guides de France Don't forget to check the EarthBeat homepage Saturday morning for our full story!     What else is new on EarthBeat:   The church should back climate candidates to fully endorse a culture of life by Michael Wright Elected officials who deny climate change must be called out by the church, and political candidates who support climate action should be endorsed in line with Catholic teaching.   Hundreds of Catholic sisters walk Atlanta streets to pray for social, environmental justice by Fiona Murphy, Religion News Service Early Thursday morning (Aug. 14), Catholic sisters processed through downtown Atlanta in a 'Pilgrimage of Hope,' praying for migrants, racial justice and action on climate change.   San Antonio park dispute pits Indigenous ceremony against historic preservation by Patrick Davis, Religion News Service, NPR Native American Church members say the presence of double-crested cormorants in Brackenridge Park is vital to their religious ceremonies.   What's happening in other climate news: 'We Are the Last of the Forgotten:' Inside the Memphis community battling Elon Musk's xAI —Andrew R. Chow for TIME Green groups sue Trump administration over report downplaying climate damage —Rachel Frazin for The Hill Plastics treaty talks collapse without a deal after 'chaotic' negotiations —Matteo Civillini for Climate Home News Factcheck: Trump's climate report includes more than 100 false or misleading claims —Ayesha Tandon, Leo Hickman, Cecilia Keating and Robert McSweeney for Carbon Brief Rising seas could put Easter Island's moai at risk by 2080, study warns —Annika Hammerschlag for the Associated Press Final Beat: The Season of Creation is just around the corner, taking place Sept. 1 to Oct. 4. Tell us what your faith community has planned to mark this annual observance of care for our common home and the life it sustains — human, creature and plant. Email earthbeat@ncronline.org and your story could be featured in the EarthBeat Weekly newsletter, Small Earth Stories feature series, and more. Thanks for reading EarthBeat. Stephanie Clary Environment Editor National Catholic Reporter sclary@ncronline.org     Featured Advertisers   Looking to Hire? Offering Retreats? Selling Books? Place an Ad in NCR's Online Classified Section for Only $75 per Month!   Advertisement