Francis calls on people to make “every effort so that where a solution to the single socio-environmental crisis is discussed,” we “may listen to the voice of the poor, at both the level of countries and individuals.” He also urges everyone “to listen to the cry of the earth, our mother and sister, and of the poorest of those who inhabit it, so that we can take care of it.”

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis spoke today at an international meeting on ‘Environmental Justice and Climate Change’ organised by the ‘Foundation for Sustainable Development,’ under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers.

In his address, the pontiff noted that "The climate is a common good that is seriously threatened at present, as evinced by phenomena like climate change, global warming and the increase in extreme weather events."

At the same time, "We cannot forget the serious social implications of climate change. The poorest are the ones who experience the consequences the most. For this reason, as the meeting’s title rightly indicates, the climate issue is also about justice, and solidarity, which can never be separated from the issue of justice. Everyone’s dignity as a person, people, community, as women and as men is at stake."

"Science and technology put into our hands unprecedented power. It is our duty to humankind, in particular to the poorest and to future generations, to use it for the common good. Will our generation ‘be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities?’ (Enc. Laudato si’ 165). Despite the many contradictions of our time, we have enough reasons to hope that we will be able to do so. We must be guided by this hope.”

"Everyone is called to respond personally and within his or her purview in the family, workforce, economy, research, civil society and government,” the pope said. “Not through improbable recipes since no one has them, but through what he or she has understood from dialogue, accepting that one’s contribution be put to the test. Everyone has to contribute to the final goal, which must be the product of a joint effort.

“Religion, politics, economics and scientific research in various sectors, international and anti-poverty organisations” must take part in this dialogue, as is the case for this meeting.

"To bear fruit, this dialogue needs to be inspired by a vision that is as transparent as it is broad, and must proceed according to a comprehensive, and especially participatory approach that includes every stakeholder, even those most likely to remain on the margins of institutional processes.”

Therefore, “I address to everyone a pressing invitation to make every effort so that where a solution to the single socio-environmental crisis is discussed we may listen to the voice of the poor, at both the level of countries and individuals. Such is the duty of environmental justice.

“In view of the urgency of climate change and with an eye to the crucial events that will face them in the coming months – the approval of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the end of the month and COP21 in Paris in December – I propose that this dialogue become a true alliance to reach truly global agreements that are environmentally significant and effective."

"In this journey, you can count on my personal support and that of the whole Church, beginning with the essential support of prayer,” the pontiff said. “I hereby offer our common effort to the Lord, calling on him to bless it, so than humankind may finally listen to the cry of the earth, our mother and sister, and of the poorest of those who inhabit it, and take care of it. This way, Creation can come ever closer to the common house that the One Father envisioned as a gift to the universal family of his creatures."

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