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During a United Nations climate event, Pope Francis, who was absent due to illness, expressed his opinion on climate change, claiming it is a “religious issue,” according to Crux Catholic Media.
In a speech read by Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, Pope Francis said there was an urgent need to act “for the sake of the environment” and that it was not enough to simply increase spending. Rather: “We must change our way of life and thus educate everyone to a sober and fraternal lifestyle.”
“That is why the problem of climate change is also a religious problem: its roots lie in the creature’s need for self-sufficiency,” the Pope said.
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Pope Francis’ illness turned out to be “very acute infectious bronchitis.”
Pope Francis delivers his speech during his weekly general audience in the Pope Paul VI Hall. in the Vatican. ((AP Photo/Andrew Medichini))
The pope added that religions play a special role in maintaining peace, saying: “A home is only worth living in if there is a climate of peace within it.”
The pope, who would have been the first pontiff to ever attend the event, canceled the visit after his doctors advised him not to because of what Francis himself called “very acute, infectious bronchitis” that caused pneumonia.
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Pope Francis makes first appearance since canceling trip to UN climate summit: ‘I’m not feeling well’
A large screen broadcasts Pope Francis coughing during the midday Angelus prayer from the chapel of the hotel on the Vatican grounds where he lives on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Pope Francis says he has pneumonia but will go to Dubai later this week for the climate conference. Francis skipped his weekly Sunday appearance at a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, a day after the Vatican said he was suffering from a mild flu. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The pope added that two of the most important global issues are peace and climate.
“Let us as religious leaders set an example to show that change is possible and bear witness to a respectful and sustainable lifestyle. Let us implore with a loud voice the heads of states and governments of nations to preserve our common home,” he said.
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This all comes as several officials have expressed ongoing concerns about the pope’s health.
Pope Francis was hospitalized for three days earlier this year for intravenous antibiotic treatment for an illness that was eventually identified as bronchitis.
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