Advocates for environmental justice within the Anglican Communion, have shared a tribute to Pope Francis celebrating his commitment to creation care. 

“We, leaders within the Anglican Communion with a particular focus on creation care and environmental justice, pay tribute to Pope Francis, a true leader and inspiration in so many aspects of faith, and particularly in calling us all to Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si’ 2015).  

“From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis chose to identify himself with St. Francis of Assisi, ‘the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation’. Ever since, he has set a prophetic example in hearing ‘the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’. His seminal encyclical Laudato Si has challenged world leaders and mobilised millions of people for action. Laudato Si’, and the 2023 encyclical Laudate Deum, illuminate the links between environmental justice and social justice; the damage caused by throw-away cultures and unlimited drives for profit; and the need for rapid, urgent change in institutions, political systems and in individual choice if we are to live well together on this earth. It shines a light on the heart of our Creator God and on the responsibilities of his children.  

“As we look out at the unprecedented destruction caused this year by climate change, with the greatest impact on those who have done the least to fuel the problem, we recommit ourselves to action. We remember  the rights of indigenous peoples, not only as a matter of justice, but as a way to guarantee a future for all humanity.  

“Pope Francis lived with great integrity and we are delighted that the Borgo Laudato Si’, covering 55 hectares of land, home to over 300 different botanical species, will grow beyond his papacy. It is evidence that his example of action can be replicated worldwide and can inspire each of us to make simple changes (whether large or small) for the good of our common home. Following the example of Pope Francis, may we commit to changes in our lifestyles, reflect on how we distribute wealth and reaffirm our connections to each other and to the natural world around us. 

“Above all else, we pay tribute to Pope Francis as a servant of Jesus Christ. He showed that no one is beyond the love of our Saviour and that no one is too powerful to be challenged; that faithfulness and joy can exist together; and that God’s ways are our path to true freedom.  

“We pray he may rest in peace and rise in glory.” 

The signatories of the tribute include:

The Most Revd Julio Murray Thompson, Bishop of Panama, Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America (IARCA) 

The Most Reverend Marinez Bassotto, Primate of Brazil and Bishop of Amazonia 

The Right Reverend Graham Usher, Bishop of Norfolk 

The Most Reverend Jackson Ole Sapit, Primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya 

The Most Reverend Sione Uluilakepa, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia