Our thinking

The Green Pope

25 April, 2025

When behaviour aligns with belief, the world pays attention. 

When Pope Francis passed away, many headlines remembered him not just as the head of the Catholic Church, but as the “Green Pope”. Why? Because he didn’t just speak about climate change, he acted on it. 

In the world of sustainability, we often talk about strategy, policies, and long-term targets. But we also know the biggest shift doesn’t come from plans. It comes from behaviour. 

Pope Francis understood that. In 2015, his encyclical Laudato Si’ called on all of us (not just Catholics) to care for “our common home”. But beyond words, he led with action. He made the Vatican the first carbon-neutral state, had solar panels installed on Vatican buildings, supported the UN climate agenda, and repeatedly urged governments to protect the most vulnerable (Reuters). 

As Earth.org highlighted, what made Pope Francis different was how he acted with quiet purpose. He didn’t try to stand out but because he stayed true to his values in his actions, people listened. His own behaviour made the message stronger. 

And that’s relevant to everyone. Whether you are part of a company, a team, or a community, real leadership isn’t declared, it’s demonstrated. 

By Justine Bahoumina