Now what is Pope Francis’ agenda? Throughout the encyclical, Francis’ environmental theme cannot be ignored. With over 170 references to global warming, climate change, environment and environmental issues, it is clear that this is a means to an end. Francis’ encyclical is not in any sense a labor of original thought. Both his analytical style and argumentative form are firmly grounded in the Vatican’s preeminent sense of its own self-importance and presumed lordship over every aspect of human life.