By: Grace Chisholm
April 28, 2022
This paper explores the link between Catholic environmental theology, Pope Francis’ climate advocacy, and President Joe Biden’s environmental policy. I examine the historical relationship between the Church and the environment, both leaders’ rhetoric and policy proposals, and the goals of the Biden administration’s diplomacy-focused strategy to combatting climate change. I seek to illuminate the influence of Biden’s religious beliefs on his climate plans, arguing that Biden’s Catholicism informs, but does not explain, his approach to the environment. Long-engaged in climate-related advocacy, Biden’s embrace of religious authority on environmental issues serves to bolster U.S. climate diplomacy at home and abroad.
A Strategy for Engagement: The Role of Faith Leaders and Faith-Based Organisations in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), United Nations Environment Programme, Faith for Earth Initiative (February 1, 2021).
Leonardo Boff, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1997).
Massimo Faggioli, Joe Biden and Catholicism in the United States (New London, CT: Bayard, 2021).
Amanda Jaret and Frank Pasquale, “The Ethical, Legal, and Political Significance of Laudato Si,’” in Care for the World: Laudato Si’ and Catholic Social Thought in an Era of Climate Crisis, ed. Frank Pasquale (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019); 1-22.
Allen Keiswetter and John Bryson Chan,. Diplomacy and Religion: Seeking Common Interests and Engagement in a Dynamically Changing and Turbulent World (Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution, 2013).
Alynna J. Lyon, “Pope Francis as a Global Policy Entrepreneur: Moral Authority and Climate Change,” in Pope Francis as a Global Actor: Where Politics and Theology Meet, ed. Alynna J. Lyon, Christine A. Gustafson, and Paul Christopher Manuel (Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018); 119-141.
Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ of the Holy Father Francis on Care for Our Common Home (Vatican: Vatican City, 2015).
Grace Chisholm (C’22) is majoring in government with minors in Spanish and religion, ethics, and world affairs. During her time at Georgetown, she interned at the U.S. House of Representatives, the ACLU of Kansas, and Cornerstone Government Affairs. Grace is passionate about public policy and advocacy law. In her free time, she enjoys listening to “The Daily,” taking walks to the Kennedy Center, and sipping iced lattes with friends.
