Catholic leaders from around the world made an unprecedented joint appeal in Rome on Monday to the the forthcoming Paris climate talks to produce what they described as “a truly transformational” agreement to stem global warming. “And I really believe that’s what Pope Francis is trying to tell people”. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who heads the Asian bishops’ conference, suggested the omission was a compromise created to ensure all bishops could sign onto the appeal, which is the first of its kind for the episcopal conferences from each of the five continents. “It is essential, too, that the negotiations result in an enforceable agreement that protects our common home and all its inhabitants”, the appeal said.
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No precise temperature limit was proposed in the appeal.
“These proposed reflections, the fruit of synodal discussion which took place in great freedom and a spirit of reciprocal listening, are meant to raise questions and indicate outlooks that will later be developed and clarified by… reflection in the local Churches… the collegial journey of the bishops and the involvement of all God’s people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will guide us in finding the road to truth and mercy for all”.
A team comprising the co-ordinator of Papal visit, the Rev Stephen Okello, and Director of Communication at Catholic Bishops, David Omuoyo and Nyeri Archdiocese Coordinator of Liturgy Father Elias Mutahi inspected the altar ahead of its transportation to Nairobi.
Climate change, the archbishop said, already is leading to the phenomenon of climate refugees. They are unable to be admitted thereto from the fact that their state and condition of life objectively contradict that union of love between Christ and the Church which is signified and effected by the Eucharist.
Bonny was in the same small language group as Cardinal Sarah, for example, and Bonny and others in that group said sentiment against homosexuals was so strong that “there was no way of discussing it in a peaceful way”.
She said: “It’s just so uplifting”. Climate change was a significant focus of the pope’s recent trip to the U.S., where he spoke about the issue in front of the United Nations general assembly and the US Congress.
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Ms Fay said those who took part in the pilgrimage were “very conscious about the bereaved families” and “have been praying and getting special Masses said and lighting candles for them”. His province, Alberta, is “fossil fuel central”, he said, yet people in Alberta, like in the rest of Canada, recognize that something must be done. “There are a few great minds out there working on finding the new technologies” that will provide jobs and energy without harming the environment.
