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Why was St. Francis of Assisi named a patron saint of ecology?

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Bonaventura Berlinghieri: St. Francis and Scenes from His Life — St. Francis of Assisi *St. Francis and Scenes from His Life*, tempera on panel by Bonaventura Berlinghieri, 1235; in the Church of San Francesco, Pescia, Italy.

St. Francis of Assisi was named a patron saint of ecology by Pope John Paul II in 1979.1

This designation reflects his profound spiritual connection to the natural world. During his life, Francis viewed all of nature as a mirror of God and famously referred to all creatures as his "brothers" and "sisters". His writings, such as his canticle that extols all of creation as united in the praise of God, emphasize a deep respect for the environment.23

His legacy continues to influence modern environmental thought, notably serving as a primary inspiration for Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato si’, which calls for the protection of the Earth as our "common home" and highlights the interconnectedness of all living things. By honoring him as a patron of ecology, the church recognizes his example of living in harmony with creation rather than seeking to dominate or exploit it.312