Pope urges action on environment--including action to defend life
November 28, 2011
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Pope Benedict XVI called for effective action on climate change during his Angelus audience on Sunday, November 28. He repeated his message of concern for the environment on Monday in a meeting with an Italian youth group.
At his Sunday audience the Pope issued a message to world leaders participating in a UN conference on climate change, taking place in South Africa this week. "I hope that all members of the international community agree on a responsible and credible response to this worrisome and complex phenomenon,” the Pontiff said. He added that in their work they should be “taking into account the needs of the poorest and future generations."
The next day, the Pope exhorted the young members of an Italian group to be “true guardians of life and creation.”
In his address to the Sister Nature Foundation, a project sponsored by the Franciscans of Assisi, the Pope reminded his audience that St. Francis cared for nature because he saw the world as God’s handiwork. He argued that “respect for the Creator’s imprint in all creation, leads to a better understanding of our true and deepest human identity.” When man disregards his duties as stewards of creation, the Pope continued, “then he can cause violence to damage to creation which always have a negative impact on humans, as we have seen, unfortunately, on several occasions.”
Pope Benedict went on to say that true concern for environment must include a commitment to protect the dignity of human life. He said: “Today more than ever, it has becomes clear that respect for the environment can not forget the recognition of the value of the human person and its inviolability at every stage and in every condition of life.”
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Further information:
- Pope calls for responsible, credible climate deal (AP)
- A credible response to climate change (L'Osservatore Romano)
- Pope Benedict: Educating the guardians of Creation (Vatican Radio)
- Humanity Has No Future Unless It Cares for the Creation (VIS)
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Posted by: unum -
Nov. 29, 2011 6:41 AM ET USA
As a Franciscan, I too value the environment. I also value the truth. The Holy Father should share some of the evidence that has convinced him that there is a real threat to our environment, because all I have read from Europe is unsupported political hysteria. Speaking of an undefined "climate change" threat is not helpful to those of us who have not seen the evidence to support such a threat.
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Posted by: dover beachcomber -
Nov. 29, 2011 1:13 AM ET USA
Oh, dear. Has our Holy Father not seen the recent news on ClimateGate scandal #2? How much more evidence is needed before the entire AGW house of cards falls to pieces?
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Posted by: ColmCille -
Nov. 28, 2011 9:36 PM ET USA
The evidence suggests no human caused global warming. C02 has negligable effect on climate. The medieval peak 1,000 years ago was one deg. C higher than now. We are currently at the 3,000 year *average* temp, a natural rebound from the Little Ice Age, well within normal ranges. Both the current warming trend and glacial shortening *preceded* human release of hydrocarbons, but do correlate with natural solar activity trends. I wish prelates would stay out of science debates, and teach the Faith.
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Posted by: JP810 -
Nov. 28, 2011 9:25 PM ET USA
Well, I hope the Holy Father knows about "ClimateGate 2.0!" "Care of Creation" doesn't mean succumbing to the Global Warming Alarmists, via the duct of "Climate Change!" "Care of Creation" first begins at home, with life! Let the liberals deal with their nonsense of "Global Warming" aka now, "Climate Change." Get a life! Lord, help us!
