Climate should be 'a central priority' for US church, says Bishop McElroy

The San Diego bishop has become one of the leading voices among U.S. bishops on Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home." McElroy joined his fellow bishops of California in June in issuing their own pastoral statement on the environment. Four years earlier, shortly after the encyclical's release, he encouraged pastors in his diocese to explore installing solar panels at their churches. So far, about half of the 97 parishes have done so, with more to come.

Several times during the conference, McElroy addressed the question of bishop engagement. He characterized it as an issue of focus — that few bishops would dispute the pope's encyclical and many have no issue encouraging Catholics wanting to take on creation care projects. The tougher ask, he said, is getting them to make it a greater priority amid an ever-expanding slate of issues.