“It is necessary today for the entire international community to put as a priority the implementation of collegial, solidarity-based and forward-looking actions,” said Pope Francis this week.
He was addressing organizers of the Green&Blue Festival, which coincides with World Environment Day. Already, the pope banned single use plastics in the Vatican, according to Vatican News.
Last month, Audacy reported on the pollution risks associated with single use plastics, and how recycling efforts may not even be enough to prevent microplastics from being spread in waterways and more. This microplastic waste has been linked to health hazards for humans and wildlife.
During his Monday address, the Roman Catholic church’s leader stressed that it is a responsibility before God for the faithful to care for the planet’s environment. He said that the post-industrial period may go down as one of the most irresponsible times in history, but he hopes that people of this century are “remembered for generously assuming its grave responsibilities.”
Pope Francis, 86, had a laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery this Wednesday, according to The Holly See Press. As of Thursday, he was recovering well, the outlet said.
“The phenomenon of climate change, the Holy Father said, reminds us insistently of our responsibilities, especially to the poorest and most fragile, who contribute the least to the phenomenon, but suffer from it the most,” according to Vatican News.
Additionally, Pope Francis acknowledged that changing “the current model of consumption and production,” to address climate change will be a challenge. However, he said it is worthwhile.
“The Pope called for educating ourselves in how to protect the planet, and how that in turn, can transform society,” said Vatican News.
In 2019, the outlet reported that “the smallest state in the world,” was ready to “do away completely with the sale of single-use plastics, or disposable plastic,” citing Rafael Ignacio Tornini, the head of the garden and cleaning services of the Governorate of Vatican City State. This change was made to align with Pope Francis’ earlier calls for a more environmentally friendly society.
“Let us not rob the new generations of hope in a better future,” the pope said this week.
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