Pope Francis and the Green Gospel: How Laudato Si’ Awakened a Planet

“When our common home was falling into serious disrepair, one unexpected voice echoed louder than all others — and he wore old, worn-out shoes.”

In a world full of noise, rare moments emerge when a voice speaks not just to the mind, but directly to the heart.

When I first read Laudato Si’, it felt like someone had finally articulated what so many of us feel deep inside — that the way we treat the Earth reflects the way we treat each other.

As the founder of a marketplace built on sustainability and conscious living, I’ve often questioned how real change happens. Reading Pope Francis’ words — and seeing the quiet simplicity with which he lived them, even down to wearing his old shoes — reminded me that change starts from the inside: with humility, persistence, and love.

The Global Stage in 2015: A Planet on the Brink

In 2015, the world stood at a crossroads.

Scientific warnings had reached a crescendo: global temperatures were on track to rise more than 2°C, Arctic ice was vanishing, and superstorms were devastating entire regions. Yet political action lagged behind. Climate change remained politicized — and in some countries, outright denied.

Religious institutions, for the most part, remained silent. Environmentalism was seen by many as a secular, political cause — not a spiritual or moral one.

That changed on June 18, 2015, when Pope Francis released Laudato Si’.

Laudato Si’: A Letter to Every Soul

Unlike any encyclical before, Laudato Si’ was addressed not just to Catholics, but “to every person living on this planet.” Drawing from Franciscan spirituality, indigenous wisdom, and scientific urgency, it carried a revolutionary message:

• Interconnectedness: “Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves.” (Laudato Si’ #139)
• Consumption and Morality: “Purchasing is always a moral — and not simply economic — act.” (Laudato Si’ #206)
• Urgency for Action: “Our common home is falling into serious disrepair.” (Laudato Si’ #61)
• Responsibility to Future Generations: “Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is... first and foremost, up to us.” (Laudato Si’ #160)

In six powerful chapters, Francis moved from diagnosis to dialogue to bold proposals. He demanded an "ecological conversion" — a complete rethinking of how we live, produce, consume, and coexist.

The Impact of Laudato Si’: Numbers That Speak

The response to Laudato Si’ was immediate and profound:

• Global Reach: Translated into dozens of languages, downloaded over 10 million times in its first year.
• Political Influence: Cited by Barack Obama, Ban Ki-moon, and pivotal to the momentum of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
• Religious Awakening: By 2018, over 50% of Catholic institutions had active ecological missions.
• Cultural Shifts: Faith communities formed Laudato Si’ Circles and climate prayer walks worldwide.

In an increasingly divided world, Laudato Si’ built bridges between environmentalists and believers, scientists and spiritual leaders.

Walking the Talk: The Story Behind Pope Francis’ Old Shoes

Beyond words, Pope Francis’ life embodied Laudato Si’’s spirit.

His famously worn-out black leather shoes were crafted by Carlos Samaria, a humble cobbler from Buenos Aires. Even after becoming Pope, Francis refused new, luxurious footwear — choosing to continue walking in humility and quiet protest against overconsumption.

When he walked, he walked in simplicity.
When he spoke, his scuffed shoes spoke louder.

For me, this story is a reminder that true leadership doesn’t need extravagance. Sometimes the purest power lies in choosing what others overlook.

The Ongoing Echoes of Laudato Si’

Since 2015, the influence of Laudato Si’ has only grown:

• Laudato Si’ Action Platform (2021): A seven-year ecological journey for families, schools, and businesses.
• Integral Ecology: A holistic approach adopted by the UN, academia, and grassroots movements.
• Faith-Based Environmentalism: New interfaith collaborations and activism for climate justice.
• The Cry of the Poor: Linking environmental degradation with social injustice globally.

Challenges remain, but Francis’ message cuts through the noise with unwavering clarity.

A Legacy Rooted in Hope and Humility

For me, Laudato Si’ isn’t just a document. It’s a living guide — a reminder that sustainability isn’t a trend, but a return to reverence for life itself.

It’s part of the spirit behind why Wonena exists: to create a bridge between beauty, consciousness, and responsible living.

As Pope Francis reminds us: “Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.” (Laudato Si’ #13)

And maybe, just maybe, the first step begins — in the shoes we choose to walk in.