Cardinal Rodriguez: My Faith, My Responsibility to Care

Why do Catholics care about climate change? In this reflection, Cardinal Rodríguez explores the deep theological roots behind the Church’s environmental commitment, tracing the connection back to Pope Francis’s landmark encyclical, “Laudato Si’.” Rather than framing environmental concern as a new or secondary issue for Catholics, Cardinal Rodríguez explains how care for creation is deeply embedded within longstanding Catholic teaching and tradition, making ecological responsibility a natural extension of the faith rather than a departure from it. His reflection offers clarity on why the Church has increasingly positioned itself as a moral voice in the climate conversation, framing environmental stewardship as both a spiritual calling and a personal responsibility for believers. This piece adds an important Catholic leadership perspective to the broader interfaith dialogue on faith and climate change.