By editor - 14 September, 2015
“The climate is a common good which today is seriously threatened” Pope Francis told up to 300 delegates attending the international meeting of the Foundation for Sustainable Development last Friday.
The Foundation is focused on environmental justice and climate change.
Referring to the grave threats facing the environment, the Pope stressed that the poor are always those who suffer most from the consequences of climate change.
He told delegates that the issue of climate change is a question of justice and solidarity which affects the dignity of individuals, communities and nations.
“Science and technology have placed in our hands unprecedented power: it is our duty to humanity, and in particular towards the poor and the future generations, to use it for the common good,” he said.
Pope Francis stressed that every individual is called to respond personally and responsibly to the challenge of climate change – not offering unrealistic solutions, but responding to the best of our abilities in the family and the workplace, in civil society and within economic or research institutions.
“We can only achieve results by working together for the common good,” he said, praising the organisers of the meeting for bringing together participants from the different sectors of religion, politics, economics, social and scientific research.
The Pontiff said that in view of the crucial upcoming meetings on climate change and sustainable development at the UN in September and in Paris in December we must step up this dialogue to create an “authentic alliance” that can bring about effective environmental agreements.
“I offer to the Lord our common efforts asking him to bless them so that humanity would finally start listening to the cry of the earth – our mother earth today is among the many excluded ones who cry out to heaven for help!” he said.
“Will our generation be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities?” Pope Francis challenged.
“Despite the many contradictions of our time, we have sufficient reason to nurture our hopes of being able to do so. And we should let ourselves be guided by this hope.”
“In fulfilling this commitment, I hope that each one of you may experience the satisfaction of participating in actions that transmit life. The joy of the Gospel resides here as well,” the Pope concluded.
