By Abdullahi Lukman
Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticised those who downplay the reality of climate change, warning against indifference and urging global citizens to take action.
In his first major address on environmental issues since becoming pontiff, he called out critics who “ridicule those who speak of global warming,” describing climate change as “increasingly evident.”
The remarks, delivered at a climate conference in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, appear to be a veiled rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently dismissed climate change as a “con” and attacked renewable energy efforts at the UN General Assembly.
Pope Leo, the first American-born pope and elected in May, used his speech to mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the landmark climate encyclical written by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
He warned that the issue of climate change is becoming more politically divisive, despite its growing urgency.
“Some have chosen to deride the increasingly evident signs of climate change, to ridicule those who speak of global warming, and even to blame the poor for the very thing that affects them the most,” the Pope said, reaffirming the Church’s position on climate justice.
He urged people around the world to apply pressure on political leaders and engage in climate-focused decision-making.
“Only then will it be possible to mitigate the damage done to the environment,” he added.
Referencing moral responsibility, Pope Leo asked: “God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world… what will be our answer, my dear friends?”
The Raising Hope conference comes ahead of COP30, set to take place in Belém, Brazil.
Brazilian Environment Minister, Marina Silva, extended an invitation to the Pope, expressing hope he would help make COP30 a milestone in climate action.
Also speaking at the event, former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, praised the Pope as a real-world “action hero” for initiatives such as installing solar panels on Vatican buildings.
