Pope Francis, who championed climate action and social justice, has died as U.S. environmental groups face threats.

Pope Francis, a strong advocate for climate action, used his papacy to emphasize environmental protection and social justice, particularly for the poor. His 2015 encyclical, "Laudato Si'," criticized developed nations for pollution and inspired the formation of the Laudato Si' Movement, which has trained 20,000 leaders in 140 countries. His death comes amid threats to the status of environmental organizations in the U.S.