Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful video message to bishops and cardinals of the Global South gathered at COP30 in Brazil, urging them to remind world leaders that “we are guardians of creation, not rivals for its spoils.”
Speaking to Church representatives from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pope called for unity, courage and concrete action in the face of accelerating climate change.
COP30 has placed significant emphasis on the experiences and challenges of the Global South—a focus the Catholic Church has echoed through a series of meetings and symposiums.
In his message, Pope Leo highlighted the profound vulnerability faced by many communities across these regions.
“Creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat,” he said, noting that one in three people now live in severe climate vulnerability. For them, climate change is not an abstract threat but an immediate reality. “To ignore these brothers and sisters is to deny our shared humanity.”
The Pope warned that while it is still possible to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C, “the window is closing.” He called on Church leaders to act as “stewards of God’s creation,” urging deeds over words. “We are called to act swiftly, with faith and prophecy, to protect the gift entrusted to us,” he said.
Pope Leo reaffirmed the importance of the Paris Agreement; describing it as “the strongest tool for protecting people and the planet,” while acknowledging that its effectiveness depends on political will. Stronger climate action, he added, will lead not only to environmental protection but also to “stronger and fairer economic systems.”
He concluded by honoring the scientists, leaders and faith communities working for climate justice across all nations and religions. “We are guardians of creation,” he reminded them once more, “not rivals for its spoils.”
By Newsroom
18th Nov 2025
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