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Paper short abstract

Drawing on Pope Francis’ discourse, this presentation examines the relationship between religion and ecological identity within econarrative construction. It highlights how these interventions arguably contributed to a shift toward more ecologically conscious religious identities and narratives.

Paper long abstract

Religion is arguably one of the dimensions of identity that shapes not only individual but also collective behaviours, including our relationship with the more-than-human world. It can offer relief and hope, fostering action and shared values that inspire and influence change on a global scale. Focusing on religion and the recent efforts around its “greening” (Koehrsen et al. 2022), this presentation examines the relationship between religion and ecological identity─ understood here as a socially and discursively constructed practice of extending our sense of self when we interact with nature (Lei 2021) ─ within econarrative construction. Narratives provide context and build strong frameworks for identity (Kohlhaas & McLaughlin 2019); therefore, this nexus is crucial to consider in light of current ecological and social crises.

The presentation draws on research in this field and offers examples from the often- challenged Christian tradition (Sachdeva 2016). Particular attention is given to the late Pope Francis’ articulation of pastoral themes that foster ecological identity, such as integral ecology and care for creation, in his public speeches and encyclicals.

Finally, the presentation considers the wider impact of these papal interventions on both religious and secular groups, highlighting how they have inspired ecological action and arguably contributed to a shift toward more ecologically conscious religious identities and narratives. This work contributes to ongoing conversations about the role of language and narrative in framing and informing religious discourse, and how such discourse, in turn, supports broader discursive and real-world practices that incorporate the more-than-human.