Pope Benedict XVI on climate change: a credible response is needed
Pope Benedict XVI appealed for the success of a UN climate change conference that
is opening tomorrow in Durban, South Africa. Speaking to the faithful gathered in
St Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Benedict expressed the hope
that “all members of the international community might reach agreement on a responsible,
credible response,” to the phenomenon of climate change, which he described as “complex”
and “disturbing”.
The Holy Father also asked that leaders’ response be consonant
with the spirit and requirements of solidarity, taking into account the needs of the
poorest people and future generations. The Holy Father’s appeal came after the traditional
prayer of Marian devotion, ahead of which he spoke about the new liturgical season
of Advent, which began this weekend with First Sunday Vespers. It was a theme to which
he returned in his English-language remarks, as well:
I offer a warm welcome
to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at this Angelus prayer. Today,
the Church begins the celebration of Advent, which marks the beginning of a new liturgical
year and our spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Let us heed
the message in today’s Gospel by entering prayerfully into this holy season, so that
we may be ready to greet Jesus Christ, who is God with us. I wish you all a good
Sunday. May God bless all of you!
Advent is the first season of the new
liturgical year. It is a period of penance and preparation for the Second Coming of
Christ, and for the celebration of his Nativity, on Christmas Day. Listen