Integral ecology and ecological citizenship in the thinking of Pope Francis: education, politics, and the socio-environmental crisis

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to analyze Pope Francis' thinking on integral ecology and ecological citizenship in order to understand how the historical subordination of politics to technocratic and economic interests has limited effective responses to the complex socio-environmental crisis. Methodologically, we opted for documentary and qualitative research. The results of the study indicate that, in order to overcome the crisis and the “throwaway culture,” it is essential to incorporate the principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church and integral ecology. This must be complemented by the formation of ecological citizenship through transformative educational strategies and the use of environmental history, which would allow public policies to be oriented toward the common good and intergenerational responsibility.