In a significant moment for the Catholic Church and environmental advocacy, Bishop Robert Prevost of Peru was present in 2016 as Indigenous leaders highlighted the pressing threats facing the northern forests of Peru, a vital part of the Amazon rainforest. This gathering occurred a year after Pope Francis issued his influential encyclical "Laudato Si," emphasizing the importance of caring for our planet.
During his address, rather than delivering a sermon, Bishop Prevost reflected on his experiences, underscoring the importance of the encyclical and the Church's commitment to the entirety of creation. His open demeanor and dedication to social pastoral work won the admiration of many, including Laura Vargas, the secretary of the Interreligious Council of Peru, who noted his genuine interest in community issues.
Since that influential gathering, Prevost has strengthened his ties with interfaith environmental organizations like the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative and Indigenous groups like AIDESEP, focusing on forest conservation and indigenous rights. His extensive experience in Peru has positioned him as a hopeful figure for both clergy and laypeople in the Amazon region, which is home to approximately 48 million residents across 6.7 million square kilometers (2.6 million square miles) of South America.
Many believe that Prevost’s history in Chiclayo, a city close to the Amazon, played a crucial role in his selection as pope. His familiarity with the challenges faced by impoverished communities and his commitment to addressing these issues are seen as essential assets in tackling Amazon-related concerns. The Amazon rainforest serves as a critical regulator of the global climate due to its role in absorbing carbon dioxide, yet it faces dangers from illegal deforestation, mining activities, land grabs, and the impacts of climate change.
As president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Prevost has developed relationships with bishops from across the nine Amazonian countries, including his support for the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network, an initiative focused on the region. Cardinal Pedro Barreto, the network's president, has emphasized Prevost's commitment to environmental issues, stating that he recognizes their importance without needing convincing.
Brazilian Friar Paulo Xavier shares this optimism, expressing confidence that the new pope will continue the environmental efforts initiated by Pope Francis. Prevost has been active on social media, reiterating his concerns about climate change and actively participating in environmental seminars. His leadership reflects a broader understanding of the urgency of the climate crisis among church leaders.
Among Indigenous leaders, there is a hopeful expectation that Prevost will champion their cause in protecting sacred lands and rights. Laura Vicuña, an Indigenous woman and vice president of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon Region, has called for the pope's support in defending essential aspects of life and dignity in the Amazon. She highlights the significant struggle Indigenous peoples continue to face against criminal activities, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change.
Expectations are also high that Prevost will prioritize the needs of Indigenous communities, with Luis Ventura of Brazil’s Indigenous Missionary Council praying for a sustained focus on the Amazon. Established in 1972, the council has had limited interactions with past popes, but they look to maintain a strong relationship with the new pontiff, trusting in his grassroots connections forged in Peru.
Pope Francis’s previous engagements with the Amazon, including the Amazon Synod in 2019, have amplified Church interests in ecological and social justice issues. With COP30 — the U.N. climate summit set to take place in Brazil’s Amazonian city of Belem in November 2024 — there is significant anticipation that Pope Leo XIV will address pressing environmental concerns and connect more deeply with the realities faced by Amazonian communities.
Rose Bertoldo of the Manaus archdiocese expressed hope for the Amazon’s future under Prevost's leadership, noting the importance of his participation at COP30. As global environmental crises intensify, Prevost’s commitment to preserving the Amazon and supporting Indigenous rights is seen as pivotal in guiding the Church towards a more active and engaged role in tackling climate change.
