On behalf of Pope Francis and the Holy See, Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, delivered a speech at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, urging action to address climate change as soon as possible and to combine environmental protection, peace, justice and global solidarity and mutual assistance. The cardinal warns: Indifference encourages injustice.
(Vatican News Network)Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, attended the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on behalf of the Holy See. In his message, the cardinal emphasized that in the light of “the scientific data we know, we cannot delay another day” and that “the data show that the protection of creation is one of the most urgent issues of our time and that we must recognize that it is closely related to the maintenance of peace Related”.
Selfishness of individuals and groups
Speaking on behalf of the Pope at this climate change conference, the Secretary of State of the Holy See pointed out that this conference was held against the background of “growing disillusionment with multilateral institutions and the dangerous trend of building high walls.” He noted that the climate of distrust and division is exacerbated by selfish attitudes of individuals and powerful groups.
Cardinal Parolin pointed out that although globalization has brought us closer to each other, it cannot make us feel that we are brothers and sisters. “Economic development has not alleviated inequality. On the contrary, it has led to the prioritization of profits and specific interests, regardless of the protection of the weakest, and the gradual worsening of environmental problems.”
This trend must be reversed. In order to do this and create a culture that respects human life and dignity, “it is important to understand that the negative consequences of lifestyles affect everyone.”
Ecological debt and the dangers of foreign debt
In the face of many countries that are already heavily in debt, Cardinal Parolin called for efforts to find ways to avoid further damaging their development and adaptability. “When discussing climate finance, we should remember that ecological debt and foreign debt are two sides of the same coin, with the future as collateral.”
In view of this, Cardinal Parolin reiterated Pope Francis’ call that some countries’ debts will never be repaid and that richer countries should forgive them. The cardinal pointed out that the Pope’s words “are not only a question of generosity, but also a question of justice.”
Cardinal Parolin then called for the establishment of a new, human-centered global financial system that can support equitable and sustainable development, especially the development of smaller and weaker countries. The Cardinal also hopes that this Congress will inspire political will to promote inclusive growth.
We cannot turn a blind eye
Speaking of efforts in this area, Cardinal Parolin stressed that the Holy See “works particularly hard in the field of holistic ecology, education and advocacy to make people aware that the environment is a problem that concerns people and society at all levels”. We cannot turn a blind eye because “indifference is an accomplice to injustice.”
The Holy See Secretary of State invited everyone present to ask themselves: What can I do? How can I contribute?
“Today there is no time to sit on the sidelines,” the cardinal concluded. “We cannot wash our hands, keep our distance, be indifferent or indifferent. This is the real challenge of this century.”
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