On the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation titled “Laudate Deum,” calling for an urgent and comprehensive response to the ongoing climate crisis.

In this document, the Pope emphasized the dire need for action, criticized climate change deniers, and highlighted the undeniable human origin of global warming.

In his exhortation, Pope Francis expressed deep concern about the inadequacy of global responses to the climate crisis, which he believes has brought humanity dangerously close to a breaking point.

He noted the increasing signs of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and the melting of polar ice caps.

One key message of the document was Pope Francis’ rebuttal of climate change deniers, stating that it is now indisputable that human activities are the primary drivers of global warming.

He emphasized the severe consequences of this crisis, particularly for vulnerable populations around the world.

The Pope pointed out the fallacy of blaming the poor for climate change, highlighting that a minority of the world’s population with higher incomes and greater resources contribute significantly more to greenhouse gas emissions.

He also debunked the notion that efforts to combat climate change would lead to job loss, citing how climate change itself is already causing job displacement in various sectors.

Pope Francis stressed the rapid acceleration of climate change and its potential to displace populations within a few years, emphasizing that we are running out of time to avert more catastrophic damage.

In “Laudate Deum,” the Pope also critiqued the technocratic paradigm, where technological and economic power is seen as the source of all solutions, highlighting the need for responsible use of technological advancements.

He warned against the unchecked pursuit of profit, often at the expense of the environment and the poor.

The document underscored the importance of international cooperation and criticized the weakness of global politics, especially during crises like the 2007-2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pope Francis called for the establishment of more effective world organizations with real authority to address pressing global issues.

Looking ahead to the upcoming COP28 conference in Dubai, Pope Francis expressed hope that it would bring about significant progress in transitioning to clean energy sources and abandoning fossil fuels.

He emphasized the urgency of the transition and the need for concrete commitments and ongoing monitoring.

Pope Francis urged everyone, regardless of their faith, to engage in the global effort to combat climate change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the shared responsibility to protect our common home.

He stressed that lasting change requires both cultural and personal transformations, as well as political decisions, to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

As the climate crisis continues to escalate, Pope Francis’ “Laudate Deum” serves as a powerful call to action, urging global leaders and individuals alike to take meaningful steps to address this pressing issue before it’s too late.