The moment the words “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”) ring out from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, it sends a ripple of emotion around the globe. For Catholics and many others, this is far more than a ceremonial announcement — it’s a declaration of continuity, unity, and renewal. It marks the arrival of a new spiritual leader for over 1.3 billion people and the next chapter in a story nearly 2,000 years old.
With white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, we know that the cardinals, gathered in solemn conclave, have chosen the next Pope – We Have a Pope! This sacred and secretive election process has roots deep in Church history and carries enormous symbolic and real-world weight.
A Tradition Steeped in History – We Have a Pope!
The process of electing a Pope is known as the conclave — Latin for “with a key” — symbolizing the seclusion of the cardinals until a decision is made. This tradition began to take shape over 1,000 years ago, with reforms introduced over time to ensure a fair and spiritual outcome. For instance, in 1179, the Third Lateran Council made it mandatory for a two-thirds majority to elect a Pope — a rule that still stands today.
In earlier centuries, political and regional interests often influenced papal elections. But the Church has evolved. In this most recent conclave, cardinals from over 70 countries participated, reflecting the truly global nature of today’s Catholic Church. That’s a far cry from earlier times, when most — if not all — electors were European.
The moment a new Pope is elected, he is asked to choose a name. That name often signals the direction he hopes to take. For example, when Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Francis in 2013, it was a nod to St. Francis of Assisi — the saint of humility, peace, and care for the environment.
A Legacy of Leaders
Throughout history, Popes have played vital roles — spiritually, politically, and culturally. Here are a few whose leadership left a lasting mark:
- Saint Peter (c. 30–64 AD)
The first pope, Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, laid the foundation for what would become the papacy. Though little is documented about environmental consciousness in Peter’s time, his emphasis on stewardship of the Christian flock set a precedent. In biblical teachings, especially in Genesis, humans are described as caretakers of God’s creation—a principle Peter helped to spread, implicitly laying the groundwork for environmental ethics in Christianity.
- Pope Leo I (440–461)
One of the first influential popes in history, Leo I, also known as Leo the Great, was pivotal in shaping the authority of the papacy. While his era did not include specific environmental policies, Leo’s theological framework emphasized divine order and responsibility, reinforcing the Church’s moral obligation to safeguard creation. His emphasis on the unity and sanctity of creation could be interpreted today as an early call for the holistic care of the world.
- Pope Gregory I (590–604)
Known as Gregory the Great, this pope strengthened the role of the Church in secular governance and initiated widespread reforms. Gregory was also a promoter of agrarian reform and welfare for the poor, managing Church lands sustainably and using the proceeds to feed the hungry. While not labeled “environmentalism” by today’s standards, such actions reflected an awareness of resource management and social ecology.
- Pope Innocent III (1198–1216)
One of the most powerful and controversial medieval popes, Innocent III asserted papal supremacy but also focused on moral reform. He strongly emphasized humanity’s role as stewards of God’s creation. His teachings reinforced the idea that the material world was not to be exploited, but rather preserved and respected, echoing sentiments that align with modern environmental theology.
- Pope Pius XII (1939–1958)
Though not typically associated with environmental activism, Pius XII’s encyclicals on science and creation laid important groundwork. In Humani Generis (1950), he supported the compatibility of science and faith—a vital bridge for later ecological advocacy rooted in both scientific insight and spiritual morality.
- Modern Popes and Environmentalism
The 20th and 21st centuries saw the rise of a new concern for the environment within the Catholic Church, culminating in a powerful shift in papal messaging toward ecological responsibility.
- Pope Paul VI (1963–1978)
Paul VI was among the first popes to directly acknowledge environmental degradation. In his 1971 apostolic letter Octogesima Adveniens, he expressed concern over the “ecological concern” of human activities, warning against unchecked technological progress and pollution. He emphasized the ethical dimensions of environmental issues, highlighting the need to protect nature for the benefit of future generations.
- Pope John Paul II (1978–2005)
A pivotal figure in modern Church history, Pope John Paul II made significant strides in incorporating environmentalism into the Church’s moral framework. In his 1990 World Day of Peace message titled Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation, he called for a global ecological conversion. He emphasized that humans have a responsibility not just to other people but to the Earth itself, as stewards rather than exploiters. He saw the destruction of the environment as a form of moral degradation and challenged Christians to re-evaluate their consumption and respect for creation.
- Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013)
Dubbed “the Green Pope” by some observers, Benedict XVI brought ecological theology to new heights. He emphasized environmental responsibility in homilies, encyclicals, and public addresses. His 2009 encyclical Caritas in Veritate stressed the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental justice. Under his leadership, the Vatican became the world’s first carbon-neutral state, investing in renewable energy and green technologies. He taught that protecting creation was an essential part of the Church’s social teaching.
- Pope Francis (2013– 2025)
Perhaps no pope has been more vocal or influential on environmental issues than Pope Francis. His groundbreaking 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home marks a watershed moment in the Church’s engagement with ecological matters. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, the pope frames climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss not only as scientific or political issues but as moral and spiritual crises.
Laudato Si’ calls for an “integral ecology,” where human well-being and the health of the planet are inseparable. Pope Francis argues that environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable, highlighting how ecological justice is deeply intertwined with economic and social justice. He criticizes consumerism, overdevelopment, and technocratic paradigms, calling instead for simpler lifestyles, renewable energy, and care for all creatures.
In 2023, Pope Francis issued Laudate Deum, a follow-up exhortation to reinforce the urgency of ecological action. He criticized global leaders for insufficient progress on climate change and warned that time was running out. With powerful language, he reminded the world that creation is not a commodity, but a sacred gift.
Popes and the Environment: A Moral Call to Action
While the role of the Pope is deeply spiritual, recent Popes have spoken loudly about real-world issues — especially the environment.
- John Paul II was ahead of his time. In 1990, he declared that ecological damage was not only a scientific or political issue but a moral one. He warned that environmental destruction was a sign of humanity losing touch with its Creator.
- Benedict XVI, often referred to as the “Green Pope,” echoed similar concerns. He emphasized that the Earth is a gift from God, not something we have the right to exploit. He argued that protecting creation is part of respecting human life and dignity.
- Pope Francis brought the Church’s environmental teaching to a new level with his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. In it, he called the Earth “our common home” and warned that climate change, pollution, and environmental destruction disproportionately harm the poor. He introduced the idea of “integral ecology,” recognizing that social justice and environmental care go hand in hand.
Francis challenged governments, corporations, and individuals to rethink how we use resources. He made it clear: caring for creation isn’t optional — it’s a responsibility rooted in faith, justice, and love.
A New Chapter Begins – We Have a Pope!
As we welcome the newly elected Pope, we witness the passing of a torch lit by centuries of tradition and moral leadership. Every Pope brings something new to the table — a fresh voice for an ancient role. And in a world facing division, inequality, and a climate crisis, that voice matters.
The Church looks to this new leader for spiritual guidance, yes — but also for moral clarity on the big questions of our time. History shows us that Popes can influence the world far beyond the walls of the Vatican. From defending the dignity of the poor to protecting our shared planet, the Pope’s voice can be a beacon of hope and courage.
So when we hear “We have a Pope!” we’re not just marking a change in leadership. We’re recognizing the continuity of a mission — one that’s been carried on for two millennia and is now entrusted to a new shepherd.
References
- Vatican News. (2015). Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home –
- Vatican News. (2023). Laudate Deum –
- Pope John Paul II (1990). Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation (World Day of Peace Message)
- Pope Paul VI (1971). Octogesima Adveniens –
- Catholic Climate Covenant. “Pope Benedict XVI: The Green Pope
- National Catholic Reporter. “Pope Francis calls for urgent action on climate in Laudate Deum
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