Pope Leo XIV Urges Urgent Climate Action at COP30

During the ongoing United Nations Climate Conference, COP30, in Belem, Brazil, Pope Leo XIV delivered a compelling video message urging nations to take "concrete actions" against climate change. He emphasized that humanity is failing in its response to the crisis, stating, "God's creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat." The Pope highlighted that while nations have made some progress, it is insufficient, with one in three people living in great vulnerability due to climate impacts. He warned that ignoring these realities equates to denying our shared humanity.

Pope Leo Urges Concrete Climate Action in BelemNaharnet'Creation is crying out,' pope says in new message to COP30

Pope Leo reaffirmed the significance of the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, as a crucial tool for protecting both people and the planet. He noted, "It is not the agreement that is failing; we are failing in our response," attributing the shortcomings to a lack of political will among some nations. The Pope's remarks come as global leaders acknowledge that the planet is likely to exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement, a target that scientists warn is critical to avoid catastrophic climate consequences.

Pope Leo Urges Concrete Climate Action in Belem

As COP30 progresses into its second week, Brazil has taken a proactive stance, sending a letter urging leaders to expedite negotiations ahead of final decisions scheduled for Friday. COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago indicated that important concessions are anticipated from all parties involved. The Brazilian government is advocating for measures that include a roadmap away from fossil fuels and increased funding for clean energy initiatives.

Pope Leo Urges Concrete Climate Action in Belem

U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell echoed the Pope's sentiments, stating that Leo's message challenges participants to choose hope and action. He affirmed that the Paris Agreement is delivering progress but called for more ambitious climate actions as investments in stronger and fairer economies. David Gibson from Fordham University's Center on Religion and Culture noted that Pope Leo is emerging as a prominent moral leader against climate change, particularly resonating with vulnerable communities in the Southern Hemisphere.

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While Pope Leo's message has been largely well-received, it is important to note that the United States, under President Donald Trump, has not participated in COP30, following the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Trump previously referred to climate change as "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world," indicating a stark contrast in approach to climate policy.

'Creation is crying out,' pope says in new message to COP30

• “Creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat,” — Pope Leo XIV

'Creation is crying out,' pope says in new message to COP30

• “But we must be honest: it is not the agreement that is failing, we are failing in our response,” — Pope Leo XIV

'Creation is crying out,' pope says in new message to COP30

• “Stronger climate actions will create stronger and fairer economic systems.” — Pope Leo XIV

'Creation is crying out,' pope says in new message to COP30

• “Let us send a clear global signal together: nations standing in unwavering solidarity behind the Paris Agreement and behind climate cooperation.” — Pope Leo XIV

• “His voice cuts through the noise of negotiations and calls leaders back to what truly matters: our shared humanity and the urgent duty to act with courage, compassion, and justice,” — Lorna Gold, Executive Director, Laudato Si' Movement

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As COP30 continues, the urgency for decisive climate action remains paramount. Pope Leo XIV's call for concrete measures and renewed political will serves as a moral imperative for global leaders to address the escalating climate crisis and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.

Pope Leo Urges Concrete Climate Action in Belem