Activist and Pope, and Pope, historically, they're not two words that go together, but they have

over the past decade, especially when it comes

to climate change.

Pope Francis has made climate and the environment a central focus of his papacy.

The first big moment came in 2015.

Francis describes the earth as mistreated and abused and urges everyone, individuals, families,

local communities, stations, and the international community to listen to its groans.

That was NPR Sylvia Pajoli back in 2015.

Reporting on the release of Laudato C. A major papal document called an encyclical where Francis urged the world to take

climate change seriously and to cut back on material waste and consumption-centered lifestyles.

Last month, he revisited the topic issuing a new major

writing called Laudate Dayum. Over the intervening eight years the world has gotten

hotter and big climate solutions have failed to fully materialize.

So it was notable how much the Pope's tone had shifted.

This document was much more scathing.

Christiana Zenner is a professor at Fordham University who studied the Pope's writings on climate change.

She says the latest document reflects Francis's growing frustration.

In the 2015 bigger document let Ottoato Sea, there was a lot more reflective, rhapsodic, and almost devotional language.

In this document, 2023, L'Ate deum, there is pointed ethical diagnosis and critique of

misunderstandings and willful ignorance.

And that sense of urgency isn't just in writing.

Pope Francis has announced his plans to attend COP28,

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