Facing up to the Anthropocene: how Catholic social teaching encourages a post-growth era and implications for business organizations

Purpose Considering the importance of religion as a social force that affects business and society, this study aims to look at Pope Francis’ discourse on ecology and its implications in terms of business organizations. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a content analysis of two recent texts of Catholic Social Teaching (CST): Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum. The authors mobilize the theoretical framework of growth critiques. Findings CST appropriates all of the critiques of growth, with the exception of feminist critique. The authors also point out how CST distinguishes from these critiques, highlighting Francis’ contribution. Research limitations/implications The authors do not claim to account for the entirety of CST. Practical implications The emphasis on the harmful effects of the technocratic paradigm and consumerist culture is an invitation to rethink business models from a perspective of integral ecology and social justice. Social implications The CST view on ecology argues for a paradigm shift toward a post-growth society. Originality/value The authors enrich the literature on the links between CST, business organizations and post-growth and open up new perspectives on the place of religions and spiritualities in the Anthropocene.