A Tribute to Pope Francis and his climate justice work.
Written by Task Force member Rev. Judith Stone.
A Wesleyan Pope?
I remember surprise at the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. It was followed by an even greater surprise. The elected Pope chose the name Francis, a first, but he did not want to be called “Francis the First,” just Francis. That simple name will grace his final resting place. We grieve the loss of Pope Francis, and express thanksgiving for his life.
For twelve years, St. Francis, Brother Sun and Sister Moon would inspire the first Jesuit Pope at s simple Papal Residence. The United Methodist Hymn, “All Creatures of our God and King,” celebrates “brother wind, air, clouds and rain” also “dear mother earth” and “sister moon with silver gleam.” I thought of John Wesley’s volume on creation written in the 1700’s, of Wesley’s long rides with crows in inclement weather, of Wesley’s book of herbal remedies, written for the poor who had no healthcare. I felt sure that Wesley was rejoicing in heaven over the election of Francis. I breathed a sigh of relief for climate activists everywhere, for visitors in National Parks, for conservationists, environmentalists, and for the United Methodist camping program which introduces children to Christ in Creation.
Over those next 12 years, we saw the Pope write a bold encyclical on climate change. It made the Vatican a voice on climate just months before the Paris Accords. It was a call to action. The principles of the encyclical were woven into the preamble to the Paris Agreement, which was signed onto by 190 nations. He also went directly to lobby oil executives, warning them that energy extraction must not destroy the earth. He wrote an Apostolic Exhortation later, that went even further than the encyclical and was more controversial. United Methodist Insight says that Bill McKibben, United Methodist author and climate activist, underlines that for Pope Francis Climate Change is a spiritual issue. It is a scientific and social issue too. Francis grieved that it especially harms the poor and our holy earth.
Climate activists have lost an ally. Let us continue the mission of Pope Francis, St. Francis, St. Clare, Hildegard of Bingen, our own John Wesley and so many others who have been earth keepers and advocates. Watch for retreats, summits, actions, advocacy, worship, and related spiritual disciplines, on the Climate Justice Ministry Website as part of this mission.
A Tribute to Pope Francis and his climate justice work.
Written by Task Force member Rev. Judith Stone.