An ancient religious tradition may be making a comeback — and some church leaders say it could be good for spiritual renewal and the environment. Some Catholic bishops in the United States have expressed interest in reviving the custom of not eating meat on Fridays, which was eliminated in 1966.
In 2024, at least 13 bishops told the National Catholic Register they supported discussing their proposals within the church. Many Catholics still abstain from eating meat on religious holidays such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays during Lent. But the idea suggests reviving the practice year-round.
Archbishop Borys Gudziak linked it to the environmental teachings of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Guziak also pointed out that producing meat requires more resources than producing vegetables.
“Reviving Friday abstinence would be good for the soul and the earth,” Gudziak told the 2024 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops public meeting.
Others highlighted the advantages of culture and community. Bishop Donald Heying described this tradition as “one of the things that defines Catholicism” that strengthens religious identity. Bishop Peter Libaschi added that simple communal rituals particularly resonate with young people seeking a sense of belonging and purpose.
This move is also good for the planet.
Livestock such as cattle produce more than a quarter of U.S. agricultural emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Methane also accounts for 10% of the global warming pollution caused by the United States. With more than 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, the environmental impact of Meatless Friday can be significant.
Research shows that even one day a week without meat can reduce pollution and save water. Deforestation for agriculture has been the largest driver of tropical forest loss in decades until 2024, according to the World Resources Institute. When an entire community embraces these small individual steps, they can really add up.
Additionally, research shows that eating more plant-based foods can significantly reduce your grocery bills. You can explore plant-based food options to reduce your meat consumption, helping you save on your budget and your health.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan called the voluntary return to meatless Fridays “an opportunity for Catholics … to demonstrate their shared commitment to the care of God’s creation.”
“It seems to me that a little more sacrifice and penitence wouldn’t hurt, given the demands of today’s world,” said Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. “I think we need more opportunities for sacrifice, not less.”
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