‘Our children and grandchildren should not have to pay the cost of our generation’s irresponsibility.’
Pope Francis stressed this today, June 14, 2019, at the encounter on the theme ‘The Energy Transition and Care for our Common Home,’ promoted by the Vatican’s Dicastery for an Integral Human Development, with world oil executives, held in the Vatican’s Casino IV.
Yet, he argued, «there is still hope and there remains time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, provided there is prompt and resolute action, for we know that “human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start.”
Francis began by acknowledging their meeting has focused on three interrelated points: first, a just transition; second, carbon pricing; and third, transparency in reporting climate risk. «These are three immensely complex issues and I commend you for taking them up,» he said.
He also applauded that they returned to Rome, after last year’s meeting, noting it «is a positive sign of your continued commitment to working together in a spirit of solidarity to promote concrete steps for the care of our planet.»
«For this, I thank you,» he said.
This second dialogue, he claimed, is taking place at a «critical moment.»
Threatens Human Family
«Today’s ecological crisis, especially climate change,» Francis said, «threatens the very future of the human family. For too long we have collectively failed to listen to the fruits of scientific analysis.»
«Faced with a climate emergency,» he continued, «we must take action accordingly, in order to avoid perpetrating a brutal act of injustice towards the poor and future generations. We must take responsible actions bearing in mind their impact in the short and in the long term.»
Francis lamented that it is the poor who suffer the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
«As current situations demonstrate, the poor are those most vulnerable to hurricanes, droughts, floods and other extreme climatic events. Courage is surely required, therefore, in responding to “the increasingly desperate cries of the earth and its poor”.[1] At the same time, future generations stand to inherit a greatly spoiled world.»
«Our children and grandchildren,» the Pontiff urged, «should not have to pay the cost of our generation’s irresponsibility.»
Appealing for action, Francis said: «time is running out!» Deliberations, he urged, «must go beyond mere exploration of what can be done, and concentrate on what needs to be done.»
However, the Pope still stressed, that everyone still must keep hope for little changes too, can make big impacts.
Pope Francis concluded, blessing them and reminding them to pray for him.
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On ZENIT’s Webpage:
Full Text: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-to-summit-of-dicastery-for-promoting-integral-human-development-with-heads-of-oil-companies/
