Abstract
How do Catholic leaders integrate or draw boundaries between scientific and religious knowledge systems in their discussion of climate change? This chapter explores this question at three different levels of Catholic leaders: U.S. sisters, Pope Francis, and U.S. bishops. First, drawing on qualitative interviews, this research finds that U.S. sisters integrate science and religion to gain credibility in their claims about climate change and to respond to pushback. Second, drawing on content analysis of official Church teachings, this research finds that Pope Francis similarly integrates science and religion to support his claims about climate change and draws on science more heavily when responding to pushback. Finally, drawing on content analysis of official diocesan columns, this research finds that U.S. bishops selective integrate or draw boundaries between science and religion based on their political priorities, sometimes downplaying climate change and sometimes emphasizing abortion.