Celeste Saulo: ‘We share Pope Francis’ concern about climate change

Vatican News

VATICAN CITY, Saturday, November 23, 2024 (REI): Pope Francis met on Friday with Celeste Saulo, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for coordinating meteorology, hydrology and related activities .

During the conversations they discussed their shared concerns about climate change and agreed on the urgency of climate action.

Speaking to Vatican News after meeting the Pope, Saulo said the UN agency looked forward to closer cooperation with the Holy See and other religions on this important issue, which is a great challenge for our planet and humanity.

“Pope Francis is very concerned about climate change and I believe that the World Meteorological Organization, together with the Holy See, can do many things to protect our common home,” Saulo said.

Saulo noted that all indicators monitored by the WMO, whether global warming, sea level rise or melting glaciers, are worsening, meaning “we are going in the wrong direction.” “This will have a huge impact on migration, children, women, tribes, the most vulnerable, those who suffer the most,” he said.

Changing weather patterns affect the most

He said the most affected regions are Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as small island developing states, which are on the front lines of sea level rise. “We need to help them avoid the consequences of climate change,” he stressed.

Contribution of religions to climate change

According to Ms. Saulo, religions can make important contributions to climate action and creating hope: “Action must be based on science, but it must be driven by faith,” she said. He expressed hope for closer cooperation with the Holy See in the future. “We have a common agenda and we can work together to protect people’s lives and livelihoods,” he said.