The world watched with bated breath as the announcement of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sent shockwaves of excitement and hope across the globe. Amidst the sea of well-wishers and congratulators, a notable voice emerged from the Anglican communion – that of the Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich. As the lead bishop for the environment, Bishop Usher’s words carried significant weight, reflecting the sentiments of many who have been working tirelessly to address the pressing issues of climate change and nature loss. His reaction to the news was one of unbridled optimism, as he wholeheartedly welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV, hailing it as a “good news for nature and climate”.
Bishop Usher’s enthusiasm stems from his knowledge of the newly elected Pope’s deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world. Having served in South America, Pope Leo XIV has had first-hand experience of the devastating impact of climate change and nature loss on communities and ecosystems. This personal experience has no doubt shaped his perspective on the urgency of the crisis and the need for concerted action. As Cardinal Prevost, the Pope had already demonstrated his commitment to environmental stewardship, urging the global community to move “from words to action” and build a “relationship of reciprocity” with the environment. These words, spoken last November, resonated deeply with Bishop Usher, who saw in them a reassuring continuity with the ecological vision of Pope Francis, as outlined in his seminal encyclical, Laudato Si.
The significance of Pope Leo XIV’s election cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of the environmental crisis that threatens the very foundations of our planet. As the world grapples with rising temperatures, melting ice caps, deforestation, and species extinction, the need for spiritual leaders to weigh in on the issue has never been more pressing. Pope Leo XIV’s election offers a glimmer of hope that the Catholic Church, with its vast global reach and influence, will continue to prioritize environmental concerns and inspire its followers to take action. Bishop Usher’s warm welcome of the new Pope reflects the ecumenical spirit that is essential for addressing the environmental crisis, which knows no borders and requires a collective response from people of all faiths and none.
As the Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher has been at the forefront of environmental advocacy within the Anglican communion. His commitment to caring for God’s creation is rooted in a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of human and environmental well-being. He has consistently emphasized the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of climate change, from reducing carbon emissions to promoting sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity. In Pope Leo XIV, he sees a kindred spirit, someone who shares his passion for environmental stewardship and is willing to use his platform to inspire meaningful change. The prospect of working ecumenically with the new Pope and with people of all faiths and backgrounds to care for the environment is a tantalizing one, offering a sense of hope and possibility in these challenging times.
The reference to Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the continuity between the two Popes on environmental issues. Published in 2015, Laudato Si was a landmark document that underscored the moral imperative of caring for the environment and called for a radical transformation of human relationships with the natural world. The encyclical’s emphasis on the intrinsic value of non-human creation, the need for sustainable consumption and production patterns, and the importance of climate justice resonated widely, inspiring a new wave of environmental activism within and beyond the Catholic Church. By invoking the legacy of Laudato Si, Bishop Usher is acknowledging the significant contribution that Pope Francis has made to the global conversation on environmental issues, while also expressing his hope that Pope Leo XIV will build upon this foundation, bringing his own unique style and focus to the table.
As the world looks to Pope Leo XIV for leadership on environmental issues, Bishop Usher’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and cooperation across faith boundaries. The environmental crisis is a stark reminder of our shared humanity and the need for collective action to protect the planet. In this context, the election of Pope Leo XIV offers a unique opportunity for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come together, inspired by a shared sense of purpose and responsibility for the earth. As Bishop Usher so eloquently puts it, the new Pope will be “much in my prayers” as we strive to work ecumenically and with all people of good will to care for God’s creation, recognizing that our actions today will determine the course of human history for generations to come.
