Pope Francis says religious leaders responsible for planet

During a United Nations climate event, Pope Francis, who was absent due to illness, shared his opinions on climate change, claiming it is a “religious problem,” according to Crux Catholic Media. 

In remarks read by the Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pope Francis said there is an urgent need to act “for the sake of the environment” and that it is not enough to simply increase spending. Rather, “We need to change our way of life and thus educate everyone to sober and fraternal lifestyles.”

“This is why the problem of climate change is also a religious problem: its roots lie in the creature’s presumption of self-sufficiency,” the Pope said.

POPE FRANCIS’ ILLNESS REVEALED TO BE ‘VERY ACUTE INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS’

Pope Francis delivers his speech during his weekly general audience in the Pope Paul VI hall at the Vatican. ((AP Photo/Andrew Medichini))

The pope added that religions have a specific role to play in peacekeeping, saying that “A home is only livable when a climate of peace reigns within.”

The pope, who would have been the first pope to ever attend the event, canceled the visit after being advised to do so by his doctors due to what Francis himself described as a “very acute, infectious bronchitis” causing lung inflammation.

POPE FRANCIS MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE SINCE CANCELING UN CLIMATE SUMMIT TRIP: ‘I AM NOT WELL’

A giant screen broadcasts Pope Francis coughing during the Angelus noon prayer, from the chapel of the hotel at the Vatican grounds where he lives, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Pope Francis says he has a lung inflammation but will go later this week to Dubai for the climate change conference. Francis skipped his weekly Sunday appearance at a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, a day after the Vatican said he was suffering from a mild flu. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

The pope added that two of the most important global issues are peace and the climate.

“As religious representatives, let us set an example to show that change is possible and bear witness to respectful and sustainable lifestyles. With a loud voice, let us implore leaders of nations that our common home be preserved,” he said.

This all comes as several officials have voiced ongoing concerns over the Pope’s health. 

Pope Francis was hospitalized earlier this year for three days for intravenous treatment with antibiotics for what was eventually identified as bronchitis.

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