Pope Francis tells COP26 to show ‘Political Will’ Not to Defer
~ by Brian Roewe, Earth Beat, National Catholic Reporter
Glasgow, Scotland – Addressing the U.N. climate summit with his pen rather than in person, Pope Francis called on world leaders assembled here to demonstrate “political will” and stop deferring the action required to avert the worst catastrophes of climate change.
“As the Glasgow Conference begins, all of us are aware that is has the vital task of demonstrating to the entire international community whether there really exists a political will to devote – with honesty, responsibility and courage – and greater human, financial and technological resources to mitigating the negative effects of climate change and assisting the poorer and more vulnerable nations most affecting by it,” Pope Francis wrote in a message addressed to Alok Sharma, President of the U.N. climate conference known as COP26 which began on October 31.
“Sadly, we must acknowledge how far we remain from achieving the goals set for tackling climate change,” the Pope said. “We need to be honest: this cannot continue!”
“We need both hope and courage,” said Pope Francis. “Humanity possesses the wherewithal to effect this change, which calls for a genuine conversion, individual as well as communitarian, and a decisive will to set out on this path.” The Pope added, “there is no time to waste.”
The Pope in his message challenged diplomats at COP26 to construct a future where daily actions and economic decisions “genuinely protect” the conditions necessary for dignified human life and the health of the planet now and into the future.” To read the complete article please click here