by Kalpit Parajuli

Nepal's newly appointed Environment minister makes his first public address, inspired by the pontiff's words. All religious, political and environmentalist leaders are called to heed Francis's message. Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists join Catholics to defend the environment and all its creatures.

Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - Nepali political and religious leaders as well as scientists were moved by Pope Francis's appeal yesterday when he asked "all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life" to "be protectors of creation, protectors of God's plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment."

In his first address, Nepal's newly appointed Environment Minister Umakanta Jha cited the pope's words, calling on all Nepalis to follow the pontiff's teachings to protect creation.

"The pope's message is very important for our country," the minister said. "I shall try to do my best to heed his warnings, protect the environment, people and all of nature's creatures."

He is not alone. "The pope's message is lively and very pertinent in the present context," said environmental expert Madan Kumar Koirala, a Hindu. "The leaders of other faiths should learn from Francis and see such concerns as a way to boost unity among religions."

For the scholar, Nepal's majority Hindus should welcome such overtures instead of focusing on differences with the Christian faith.

Phinjo Sherpa, a Buddhist and head of the Eco-Himal Group, said that his association has "been fighting for years to preserve the environment. The pope's message is very encouraging. It pushes us to pursue our work to protect nature and all creatures."

For Alimiya Khan, a Muslim and director of Save the Earth, the papal message brings together activists from all religions around "a common agenda."

Interest in the pope's words confirms the high esteem Nepalis of all religions have for the Christian message. In recent years, people have praised many of Benedict XVI's texts, circulating them around, especially those on religious freedom and interfaith dialogue.

For instance, non-Christian religious leaders told their followers about Benedict's speech on World Peace Day in Assisi as an example to follow.

Anti-poverty and environmental groups are especially favourable to the pope's words, a theme shared by Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists.

• nepal
• vatican
• pope
• speech
• environment