Extracted and Adapted from an article by Brian Roewe (NCR)

On October 4th, 2021 Pope Francis joined leaders of major world religions in signing a joint appeal to government leaders for the healing of the planet.

This

“unprecedented joint appeal to government leaders”

Calls for

 “urgent, radical and responsible action”

by all , especially the wealthiest countries.

The gathering of Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu leaders gave visible expression to the severity of the climate crisis and to the urgent need for union of mind and heart as we seek to save the Earth.

 We are currently at a moment of opportunity and truth. We pray that our human family may unite to save our common home before it is too late,” the declaration read. Future generations will never forgive us if we squander this precious opportunity.

The Faith Leaders wrote:

We have inherited a garden: we must not leave a desert to our children,

We plead with the international community, gathered at COP26, to take speedy, responsible and shared action to safeguard, restore and heal our wounded humanity and the home entrusted to our stewardship.

We appeal to everyone on this planet to join us on this common journey, knowing well that what we can achieve depends not only on opportunities and resources, but also on hope, courage, solidarity and good will.

We plead with the international community, gathered at COP26, to take speedy, responsible and shared action to safeguard, restore and heal our wounded humanity and the home entrusted to our stewardship, the faith declaration said.

Alok Sharma, President of COP26, described the appeal as “a powerful call to action for the world.”He called for an alliance of faith leaders, scientists and youth to “turn the tide” on climate change.

A Seven Year Road Map
To involve Catholics, the Vatican is creating the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a seven-year road map to sustainability for all types of Catholic institutions, from families and dioceses to hospitals and schools.

 

Communications