2024-09-01 07:05:39
Pope Francis today called on the people of the world to protect the environment better. His call came just days before he leaves for a 12-day trip to Southeast Asia, during which he is expected to urge the international community to take global action to tackle climate change, Reuters reported.
“If we measure the temperature of the Earth, the thermometer will show us that it is high. And that the Earth is sick,” the pontiff said in a video address. “We must commit ourselves to nature conservation (by) changing our personal and public habits,” he added.
Every month the Pope sends a video message announcing what he will pray for in the corresponding month. Today he said that in September he will pray for the “Land that Weeps”.
On Monday, September 2, the eighty-seven-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church will visit four countries – Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, writes BTA.
During his eleven years at the helm of the Church, the Pope emphasized the importance of environmental issues. Each of the countries the pope will now visit from September 2-13 is exposed to the threats of global warming, including rising sea levels and increasingly severe heat waves and typhoons.
In his video message today, the pontiff said that tackling climate problems requires action “that is not only environmental, but also social, economic and political.”
“Those who suffer the most from the consequences of these disasters are the poor, those who are forced to leave their homes because of floods, heat waves or drought,” Pope Francis said.