RELIGION AND ECOLOGY

THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE AS A POLITICAL AGENDA OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Abstract

This study investigated the historical retrospective which led to the Catholic Church's integration to the pro-environment movements. To this end, we carefully examinated the evolution of Catholicism's point of view related to ecological questions, analyzing speeches made by Popes since the 1970s. In exploring the concepts of integral ecology, participation in international conferences and changes in papal leadership, we have been able to identify characteristics unique to the catholic narrative, aiming to comprehend the motivations which led the Church in being an active agent in the environmental debates. Through exploratory research and documental analysis, we have examined official documents from the Catholic Church, including letters, encyclical and apostolical constitutions.