Vatican City, 11 December 2014 (VIS) –
The Holy Father has sent a message to Manuel Pugal Vidal, minister
for the environment of the Republic of Peru and president of the 20th
Conference of States Party to the United Nations Framework Agreement
on Climate Change, held in Lima, Peru from 1 to 12 December. The Pope
assured the organisers and participants of his closeness and
encouragement “so that your work may be carried out during these
days with an open and generous spirit”, and he remarked that the
current debate affects all of humanity, in particular the poorest and
future generations. “It is a grave ethical and moral
responsibility”.
“The consequences of environmental
change, which are already dramatically felt in many states,
especially the islands of the Pacific, remind us of the grave
consequences of mismanagement and inaction. The time for seeking
global solutions is running out. We can find suitable solutions only
if we act together and in agreement. There exists, however, a clear,
definitive and unpostponable ethical imperative to act”. Pope
Francis thus emphasised that an “effective battle against global
warming will be possible only through a responsible collective
response that sets aside particular interests and behaviours and
develops free from political and economic pressures. A collective
response that is also capable of overcoming distrust and promoting a
culture of solidarity, encounter and dialogue; capable of
demonstrating our responsibility for protecting the planet and the
human family”.
Finally, before imparting his blessing
to all the participants and the citizens of the countries
represented, the Pontiff expressed his wish that this Conference and
subsequent meetings on climate change put into effect “a dialogue
imbued with … the values of justice, respect and equality”, and
give rise to fruitful decisions and initiatives, in the service of
all humanity.
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