Pope Francis Calls Climate Change a 'Religious Problem' at COP28

Despite His Absence, Pope Urges Religions to Unite Against Environmental Devastation and Calls for Elimination of Fossil Fuels

Pope Francis, unable to attend the COP28 climate conference due to illness, delivered a message stating that climate change is a 'religious problem' and urged all religions to unite against environmental devastation.
The Pope's message emphasized the need for religions to educate their followers towards 'sober and fraternal lifestyles' and to contemplate nature's grandeur.
Pope Francis reiterated his call for the elimination of fossil fuels, despite a lack of action from Catholic dioceses in the United States.
The Pope linked peace and environmental stewardship, highlighting how wars and conflicts harm the environment and impede efforts to protect the planet.
Despite his absence, the Pope's message was a significant part of the conference, with his words read by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.