The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) joins the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was a guiding voice for compassion, humility, and the moral responsibility to care for both people and planet. His encyclical Laudato Si’ offered a profound reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world, reminding us that “everything is connected” and calling for a renewed sense of stewardship over creation.
In December 2023, Pope Francis received the CIC in a private audience at the Vatican. During this special encounter, he offered his blessing for our work and acknowledged the CIC’s contribution to nature conservation and biodiversity. It was a moment of deep honour and lasting encouragement for our global community.
Pope Francis stood as a spiritual and ethical leader who gave voice to the vulnerable, both human and wild. His legacy resonates deeply with the CIC’s mission to conserve wildlife through sustainable use and to uphold the dignity of local communities and Indigenous Peoples around the world.
The CIC honours his memory by reaffirming our commitment to ethical conservation, global solidarity, and a future guided by care for our common home.
May he rest in peace.
Dr. Philipp Harmer
President, CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
