Food Ethics and Laudato Sí

Abstract Pope Francis suggests a vegetarian ethos as a potential response to overcoming anthropogenic climate change. While his motivation is the promotion of ecological health for the sake of human flourishing, this article argues that there is room in Francis’ thought for a more expansive vegetarianism that extends its concern beyond humanity to the intrinsic value of Earth and its creatures. Through an analysis of Catholic ecotheology and philosophies of value, this article suggests a pluralistic axiological approach to Catholic vegetarianism, emphasizing the theocentric, anthropocentric, ecocentric, and biocentric value of this concrete initiative aimed at ensuring both divine and creaturely flourishing.