AB Paul Gallagher on hopes for COP23 climate
conference
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| Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States.- ANSA |
(Vatican Radio) As the Bonn climate conference moves
towards its conclusion on Friday, the Vatican’s foreign minister has urged
political and religious leaders, alongside individuals and organisations, to
“maintain the momentum” on environmental protection.
Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary
for Relations with States, was speaking after an encounter with leaders of Pacific
Island nations, who met with
Pope Francis on their way to the Bonn conference.
Describing the 2015 Paris agreement as “near miraculous”,
Archbishop Gallagher said “The international community has rarely come together
on an issue like this,” but he added that accord is “only a beginning”.
Impact of 'Laudato Sì'
He talked about the important impact of the pope’s
encyclical ‘Laudato Sì’ praising the many efforts and initiatives which
have taken place since the publication of both the Paris agreement and the
papal encyclical. He said there have been “literally thousands of initiatives
making the teaching of encyclical known, but also […] reflecting on the fact
that this is part of the church’s teaching on a much wider issue [...] of
integral human development.”
Bigger picture of human development
Stressing the need for the Church to continue to be part of
climate change discussions, the Archbishop said “This is something in which the
Church is engaged because that is what religion is about. The Incarnation is
God’s commitment to humanity and we have to continue that commitment to
securing the future of humanity, both spiritually and creating the conditions
in which people can aspire to know God, to love God, to live together and love
their neighbours”.
Nations and individuals working together
Archbishop Gallagher noted that there are “dissident voices”
but he said the Church is “looking forward to greater commitment both by the
state parties”, as well as individuals and organisations.
While the situation is very different in Pacific nations or
in industrialised countries, he said, one of the great achievements of the
Paris agreement was to bring together not just countries and the Holy See, but
also Catholics organisations, dioceses and individuals, working together to
reach local areas, “even in countries which are possibly modifying their
position towards the agreement”.
Need to change lifestyles
Archbishop Gallagher said the Church will continue to
support the “great environmental warriors” but it must also “give a good
example as well, which is not always easy”.
He stressed the importance of lifestyle changes that are
“demanded of all of us, whether it’s just giving up using your plastic bags
when you go to the supermarket, or modifying some part of your behaviour,
recycling or using your car a little less and walking a little more”, all of
which can contribute to the work of combating climate change.
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