Honor Pope Francis for Earth Day

Earth Day takes on special meaning this year, arriving as it does at the beginning of the Easter Season, and amid global mourning for Pope Francis. Choosing the name of Francis of Assisi for his papacy, the Holy Father wove together three essential Christian themes for the Church: care for creation, justice for the poor with an emphasis on migrants and refugees, and the pursuit of peace. We invite you to honor his prophetic life by taking three actions on these themes.

Care for Creation
In his groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’, Francis offered a vision of “integral ecology” – one that understands humanity as an integral part of God’s creation, and highlights the ways climate change and pollution contribute to violence and disproportionately affect impoverished communities. Join an online Laudato Si’ Animators Formation program to engage with the global movement to care for our common home.

Justice for Migrants and Refugees
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized “closeness and care” for the poor. He gave special emphasis to welcoming migrants and refugees, noting that many are forced to flee their homes due to violence and climate change. Write to ask Congress to end the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, restore refugee resettlement and access to asylum, and protect unaccompanied children and others at risk of detention and deportation.

Free the World of Nuclear Weapons
In Gaza, Ukraine, South Sudan, Myanmar, and worldwide, Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for peace, emphasizing the devastating impact of war on the environment and the poorest and most vulnerable in society. He declared that the mere possession of nuclear arms is immoral, and his leadership was instrumental in passing the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Ask your representatives in Congress to support House Resolution 317, “urging the United States to lead the world back from the brink of nuclear war and halt and reverse the nuclear arms race.”

Pope Francis ¡Presente!