Rarely does the Pope find such clear words as at the climate discussion event in Assisi. With an urgent appeal, he is addressing young people in particular.
Assisi – In view of the climate crisis, Pope Francis warns the world to expand renewable energies and places his hopes in young people in particular.
“We need rapid and decisive change. And I mean that seriously: I’m counting on you! Please don’t leave us alone, be role models for us! Said the head of the Catholic Church on Saturday while attending a business meeting for young people on Saturday in Assisi in Umbria.
Now is the time to be bold and move away from fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas, the pope said. “We can’t wait for the next international summit that might not bring anything: the earth is on fire today. Today we must change something, and at all levels,” said Francis.
Pope is committed to a more sustainable economy
In the city where Saint Francis of Assisi worked and gave his name to the current pope, young people from all over the world have been discussing the future for days. Pope Francis himself initiated the “Economy of Francesco” project in 2019. The 85-year-old Argentinian signed a symbolic pact with the participants for a more sustainable, fairer and more just economy in the future.
The Pope made it clear that future generations will suffer from current actions. “We must learn today to make sacrifices in our way of life that is unsustainable,” Francis said. “Otherwise our children and grandchildren will pay the price. And the price will be too high and too unjust.”
At the same time, the Pope said that society is often not sustainable either. Consumer behavior harms interpersonal relationships. He also spoke of a “demographic winter” because fewer and fewer children are being born in western countries. In this context, he criticized how ruthlessly working mothers are often dealt with these days. dpa
