Pope Francis Signs Interfaith Climate Statement As Part of COP28 Summit in Dubai

“Our faith instills in us a sacred duty to cherish not only our human family but also the fragile ecosystem that cradles us,” the document said. 

The document urges “all decision-makers assembled at COP28 to seize this decisive moment and to act with urgency” to address climate change.

It argues that the world “demands transformative action” to keep average global temperatures from warming 1.5-degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by the year 2100. The document also calls for “fast-tracking energy transitions,” a “rapid, just transition away from fossil fuels,” the promotion of “sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems,” and the establishment of “accountability mechanisms” for global climate goals. 

“The urgency of the hour demands that we act swiftly, collaboratively, and resolutely to heal our wounded world and preserve the splendor of our common home,” the document said.

On Sunday, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered greetings from Pope Francis at the inauguration of the faith pavilion. 

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In the message read by Parolin, the Holy Father urged attendees of the event to “see ourselves, beyond our differences, as brothers and sisters in the one human family, and, as believers, to remind ourselves and the world that, as sojourners on this earth, we have a duty to protect our common home.”

“Religions, as voices of conscience for humanity, remind us that we are finite creatures, possessed of a need for the infinite,” the pope said. 

“For we are indeed mortal, we have our limits, and protecting life also entails opposing the rapacious illusion of omnipotence that is devastating our planet,” he continued. 

In a separate video message, the pope himself said in brief remarks that the faith effort “testifies to the willingness to work together.” 

“At the present time the world needs alliances that are not against someone but in favor of everyone,” the pope said.

“As religious representatives, let us set an example to show that change is possible and bear witness to respectful and sustainable lifestyles,” he said.

“With a loud voice, let us implore leaders of nations that our common home be preserved.”

The Vatican announced last week that it was canceling the pope’s trip to Dubai due to his ongoing struggle with symptoms of an influenza infection from the week before. 

The Holy Father had originally intended to spend Dec. 1–3 at the event, which ends on Dec. 12.

Daniel Payne is a senior editor at Catholic News Agency. He previously worked at the College Fix and Just the News. He lives in Virginia with his family.