FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katie Zakrzewski, 501-618-0234
katie@catholicclimatecovenant.org
May 8, 2025
Washington, D.C. — On behalf of Catholic Climate Covenant’s board of directors, partners, supporters, and staff, I express deep, deep gratitude to the Holy Spirit who guided the Cardinal electors to choose an inspired successor to Saint Peter and our beloved Pope Francis.
We welcome Pope Leo XIV with open arms and pledge to walk beside him and, as he said, to build bridges, work for peace, and live the Gospel without fear. We are moved by Pope Leo XIV’s choice of his name, as Pope Leo XIII was a pivotal figure, having introduced modern Catholic social doctrine in Rerum Novarum, which demonstrated that the Church stands with the poor and vulnerable and against the abuses of the Industrial Revolution.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the late Pope Francis twice during his first appearance and expressed his gratitude for the late pope’s leadership while emphasizing the universality of the Church.
We are also grateful that he believes in a synodal Church: one that is open to dialogue, meeting, listening, welcoming everyone, and finding common ground for the good of the Church and all of the world.
May God bless Pope Leo XIV and our global Catholic community. Habemus papam!
Sincerely,
Dan Misleh, Executive Director
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About Catholic Climate Covenant
Catholic Climate Covenant is a national U.S. nonprofit founded with the support of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2006 that inspires and equips U.S. Catholics and institutions to care for creation together. Through 20 national partners, we guide the U.S. Church’s response to climate change and integral ecology through faith-driven education, advocacy, and resources.
www.catholicclimatecovenant.org.
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