Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has been a strong advocate for those on the margins of global society. Among those often overlooked are rural communities: farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and the small towns where many Catholic families continue to live and work close to the land. Through his writings, speeches, pastoral priorities, and papal initiatives, Pope Francis has affirmed that rural Catholic life is not just relevant but essential to the Church and the world.
Laudato Si’: A Foundation for Rural Faith and Stewardship
“there is a great variety of small-scale food production systems which feed the greater part of the world’s peoples, using a modest amount of land and producing less waste, be it in small agricultural parcels, in orchards and gardens, hunting and wild harvesting or local fishing.”
– Laudato Si’, 11
In 2015, Pope Francis issued Laudato Si’, a landmark encyclical on ecology and human dignity. While the document is often cited for its concern about climate change and environmental degradation, its implications for rural life are profound.
Pope Francis elevated the role of small farmers, rural families, and local food systems as critical components of a just and sustainable world. He recognized that many rural people live in close relationship with creation and possess a wisdom that is spiritual, cultural, and practical. He wrote, “There is a great variety of small-scale food production systems, which feed the greater part of the world’s peoples.”
In Laudato Si’, he warned of the damage caused by industrial agriculture, the loss of biodiversity, and the exploitation of land and labor. His concern for rural communities is not simply ecological, but moral. He called on the Church and the world to recognize and support the vocation of those who care for the land with integrity.
Encouragement to Rural Pastoral Ministry
“A shepherd cannot stay far from his people. A shepherd must smell like the sheep.”
– Chrism Mass Homily, March 28, 2013
Pope Francis frequently encouraged bishops, priests, and religious communities to prioritize ministry in rural areas. He knew that many small towns and agricultural regions are underserved, often lacking consistent access to the sacraments and pastoral care. He emphasized the importance of presence: of being close to the people, especially those who live far from centers of influence.
In many homilies and addresses, he praised the deep faith found in rural communities. He spoke about the strength of family life, the richness of local devotions, and the resilience of people who live in close connection with the earth. He encouraged the clergy not to overlook these communities, reminding them that rural parishes are places where the Gospel is lived with sincerity and humility.
His image of the Church as a “field hospital” applied strongly to rural life. The Church is called to accompany those who struggle with isolation, economic hardship, and environmental challenges, offering not only charity but also friendship, presence, and hope.
Papal Support for Land Justice and Food Sovereignty
“Do we truly realize that something is wrong in a world where there are so many farmworkers without land, so many families without a home, so many laborers without rights, so many persons whose dignity is not respected?”
– Address to Popular Movements, Bolivia, July 2015
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis spoke boldly about the right to land, food, and livelihood. He addressed small farmers, indigenous people, and agrarian workers in various international settings, affirming their dignity and calling for protection of their rights.
He consistently challenged systems that lead to land concentration, displacement, and rural poverty. At meetings with popular movements, he spoke about the sacred rights of land, labor, and lodging. He believed that land is not just a resource to be exploited, but a gift to be shared responsibly. He supported food sovereignty, where communities can produce food in ways that are culturally appropriate and ecologically sound.
These teachings directly support rural Catholic life. They affirm that tending the land, raising livestock, and feeding communities are not only necessary tasks, but acts of justice and holiness.
Witness to Creation
“If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder… our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters.”
– Laudato Si’, 11
Pope Francis believed that rural life has unique spiritual gifts to offer. He often spoke about the need to rediscover wonder, silence, and gratitude. He encouraged people to slow down, observe the seasons, and learn from nature. He saw these as essential habits for a healthy soul.
A Church Rooted in the Soil
“We were not meant to be inundated by cement, asphalt, glass and metal, and deprived of physical contact with nature.“
– Laudato Si’, 44
Pope Francis has kept a steady focus on the global peripheries, many of which are rural. He called the Church to go out to those places, to listen and to walk with those who often go unseen. He affirmed that rural life offers spiritual depth, practical wisdom, and a testimony of hope in uncertain times.
Through Laudato Si’, and his pastoral presence, Pope Francis consistently highlighted the value of rural Catholic life. He taught that it is not only worthy of attention, but vital for the health of the Church and the world. Rural communities, shaped by labor, faith, and a deep relationship with the earth, continue to be a powerful witness to the Gospel.
