Rome [Italy], July 24: As heatwaves, floods and wildfires ravage parts of the globe, Pope Francis called on political leaders from all countries to do more to combat climate change.
"We are experiencing, here and in many countries, extreme climatic events," the leader of the Catholic Church told worshippers on Sunday after the traditional Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square in Rome.
"And, please, I renew my appeal to the leaders of nations to do something more concrete to limit polluting emissions. It is an urgent challenge and cannot be postponed, it concerns everyone. Let us protect our common home!" Pope Francis told the roughly 20,000 faithful gathered in the square.
Pope Francis specifically mentioned the recent floods in South Korea.
Italy and much of southern Europe have also been hit by repeated heatwaves in recent days, and wildfires forced the evacuation of thousands from the Greek island of Rhodes on Sunday.
Pope Francis on Sunday also recalled the plight of thousands of migrants who have been stuck in the deserts of North Africa for weeks. European and African governments must take care of these people, he said. "I appeal, in particular to the European and African Heads of State and Government, for urgent relief and assistance to these brothers and sisters," he said.
"The Mediterranean should no longer be a scene of death and inhumanity," the pontiff said.
Pope Francis also asked everyone to continue to pray for peace for suffering Ukraine, where the violence has caused more death and destruction.
Source: Qatar Tribune