Vatican newspaper recalls World Environment Day, warns of ‘catastrophic’ plastic pollution

June 06, 2025

With the headline “Soffocati dalla plastica“ [Suffocated by plastic], the Vatican newspaper devoted prominent front-page coverage in its June 5 daily Italian edition to the theme of the 2025 World Environment Day, also commemorated on June 5.

“Lakes, rivers and seas invaded by plastic: what years ago seemed only a catastrophic prediction, is now a reality,” the Vatican newspaper reported. “According to data provided by the United Nations, in fact, every year 11 million tons of plastic flow into the oceans.”

The newspaper quoted UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s message for the day:

We need an ambitious, credible and just agreement this year. One that covers the life-cycle of plastic, through the perspective of circular economies ... I urge negotiators to return to talks in August determined to build a common path through their differences and deliver the treaty our world needs. Together, let’s end the scourge of plastic pollution and build a better future for us all.

 

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Further information:

• Soffocati dalla plastica (L'Osservatore Romano)