Pope Francis

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Pope Francis Calls on Us to Be Better Drivers

Imagine all the people, driving safely and courteously.

January 7, 2018 - The New York Times

Pope Francis

In the U.S., Climate Politics Trump the Pope's Message

The encyclical "Laudato si: On the Care of Our Common Home" might have scored public relations points among environmentalists last year, but according to a new study, it didn't score any points with Catholics or the broader U.S. population.

October 27, 2016 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

DC Pope Visit

How the Pope's Visit Reduced Traffic in Washington, D.C.

Pope Francis' much-publicized visit to the capital in late September saw reductions in congestion and better travel times. Event-specific telecommuting policies and transit route changes appear responsible for the minor miracle.

November 12, 2015 - The Washington Post

Pope's Visit Converts Car-Free Believers in Philadelphia

The decision to shut down a 4.7-square-mile swath of Philadelphia's Center City on the occasion of the Pope's visit last weekend has converted a lot of new believers to the open streets cause.

October 2, 2015 - Philly Voice

Sunday Funny: The Pope Blesses Ailing U.S. Infrastructure

The Onion notes the effusive compassion of Pope Francis by imaging that his trip to the United States this week included an act of healing for the nation's infrastructure.

September 27, 2015 - The Onion

What Does it Take to Keep the Paint Fresh on Bike Lanes?

The bike lane on a well-traveled street through Philadelphia has faded beyond recognition. Appeals to restripe the lane have focused on a forthcoming visit from the pope.

August 7, 2015 - Philadelphia

Gov. Jerry Brown: Committed to Fighting Climate Change

Reporting from a two-day conference in Toronto where states and provinces organized to tackle climate change in advance of a UN conference, political reporter Chris Megerian profiles Gov. Brown's climate change commitment in five articles.

July 12, 2015 - Los Angeles Times - Political

Pope Goes Global: Let's Talk Local

Pope Francis, sticking to his job description, is out to save the world and all its creatures. Maybe we can help in our own little universes, where we can influence planning and design that makes for swell places and for reduced contributions to GHG.

June 25, 2015 - PlaceShakers

No Papal Blessing for Cap-And-Trade

Governments must take correction actions to address climate change, warned Pope Francis in his June 18 encyclical, but cap-and-trade, which places a price on carbon emissions but can lead to speculation, is not one of them.

June 22, 2015 - San Francisco Chronicle

Pope Francis

Pope Francis Taps Planners to Help Solve Climate Change

Pope Francis's unprecedented focus on climate change and the environment includes strong messages for planners and designers of the built environment.

June 19, 2015 - The New York Times

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