Pope Leo XIV said ”stronger climate actions will create stronger and fairer economic systems” in a video message to the local Churches of the Global South gathered at the Amazonian Museum in Belém, Brazil, for the United Nations climate conference (COP30).
The Holy Father greeted the representatives of bishops’ conferences from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia on Nov. 17, joining “the prophetic voice of my brother cardinals who have taken part in COP30, telling the world with words and gestures that the Amazon region remains a living symbol of creation with an urgent need for care.”
COP30, which Belém is hosting, brings together a diverse group of leaders and scientists from around the world in an event that, according to the United Nations, aims to “discuss the priority measures needed to address climate change.”
Church hierarchy in attendance include cardinals Felipe Neri Ferrão, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences; Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar; and Jaime Spengler, president of the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops’ Council.
Leo XIV told the Catholic leaders that “you have chosen hope and action over despair, building a global community that works together.”
“This has delivered progress, but not enough. Hope and determination must be renewed, not only in words and aspirations but also in concrete actions,” he said.
The pope warned that “the creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms, and relentless heat. One in three people lives in great vulnerability because of these climate changes. To them, climate change is not a distant threat, and to ignore these people is to deny our shared humanity.”
“There is still time to keep the rise in global temperatures below 1.5°C (2.7° F), but the window is closing. As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to act swiftly, with faith and prophecy, to protect the gift he entrusted to us,” he said.
The Holy Father then referred to the Paris Agreement, among whose 195 signatories is the Holy See, noting that “it has driven real progress and remains our strongest tool for protecting people and the planet.”
“But we must be honest: It is not the agreement that is failing,” the pope continued. “We are failing in our response. What is failing is the political will of some. True leadership means service and support at a scale that will truly make a difference.”
Leo XIV affirmed that “strong climate actions and policies both are an investment in a more just and stable world.”
The pontiff noted that “we walk alongside scientists, leaders, and pastors of every nation and creed. We are guardians of creation, not rivals for its spoils. Let us send a clear global signal together: nations standing in unwavering solidarity behind the Paris Agreement and behind climate cooperation.”
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
