Pope Leo XIV Calls for Urgent Climate Action at COP30
Pope Leo XIV has made a forceful appeal to world leaders at COP30, emphasizing the critical need to expedite climate efforts to maintain the global temperature rise within 1.5°C. Through a video message directed to bishops in Belem, Brazil, on November 17, the pontiff advocated for renewed determination and tangible actions, acknowledging the heightened vulnerability of communities in the Global South. As the first American-born pope, his participation stands out, especially in light of President Donald Trump’s absence from the U.S. delegation, marking a historic first for the COP conferences.
In his address to bishops at the Museu das Amazônias, Pope Leo emphasized the choice of “hope and action over despair,” recognizing some progress but asserting that it remains “not enough.” He underscored the pressing climate signals evident in “floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat,” noting that these conditions leave “one in three people” significantly vulnerable. The Pope urged for action “with faith and prophecy” to safeguard the environment, especially for those most affected, for whom climate change is an immediate reality.
The Pope addressed the efficacy of the Paris Agreement, calling it a potent tool for planetary and human protection but lamented the shortfall in political resolve. He stated, “It is not the Agreement that is failing, we are failing in our response.” He emphasized that robust climate policies could stabilize the global economy and called for COP30 attendees to manifest “unwavering solidarity” in climate cooperation. The choice of the Amazon for the venue was symbolic of choosing collaboration “over division and denial.”
After his message, cardinals from the Global South revealed a symbolic fishing net crafted by Indigenous communities, signifying unity and continuity with the Amazon Synod commitments from 2019.
As the political segment of COP30 commenced, Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, head of the Vatican delegation, reaffirmed the Holy See’s climate priorities, underscoring “cohesive and forward-looking multilateralism.” He reiterated, “climate change knows no borders,” necessitating collective efforts above local interests.
Referencing Pope Francis I’s 2023 Laudate Deum exhortation, Diquattro supported a phased reduction of fossil fuels, provided the transition is equitable, recognizing the disproportionate climate burden on impoverished populations. He also highlighted the significant vulnerability of women and girls in the Global South, calling for their enhanced role in climate action via the UN Gender Action Plan.
Diquattro stressed the fundamental role of education in achieving climate targets, stating, “We cannot achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement unless political and technical solutions are accompanied by an educational process that proposes new, sustainable ways of living.” He praised countries incorporating education elements in their revised national climate plans at Belem and advocated for an “ecological conversion” as called for by Pope Leo, essential for long-term climate action.
The Vatican’s proactive approach at COP30 follows Pope Leo’s conference marking a decade since Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ seminal encyclical on human-environmental relations. In his inaugural climate address since his election, Pope Leo reiterated his predecessor’s messages, critiquing consumerism and advocating for sustainable development.
Pope Leo urged societal pressure on governments for stricter climate measures, highlighting the Vatican’s active role and mentioning a new ecological center at Castel Gandolfo. He tied his statements to the moral framework of Laudato Si’, linking environmental neglect to poverty. He concluded with a reflective note on future accountability to God regarding care for the Earth and humanity, questioning, “What will be our answer?”
Original Story at mexicobusiness.news