Pope's Urgent Plea for Climate Action
In a powerful intervention at the United Nations climate talks, Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning, declaring that humanity is failing in its response to the climate crisis and that God's creation is 'crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat.' The first American pope delivered his message via video to religious leaders gathered in Belem, Brazil, on Monday 17 November 2025.
A Moral Challenge to World Leaders
The Pontiff did not mince words, urging the nations present to move beyond rhetoric and take 'concrete actions' to address the planetary threat. He emphasised the direct human cost, pointing out that one in three people globally now live in great vulnerability due to climate changes. 'To them, climate change is not a distant threat, and to ignore these people is to deny our shared humanity,' he stated.
His message landed as high-level ministers arrived for the second week of negotiations at the edge of the Brazilian Amazon. The day was marked by emotional testimony from leaders of Global South nations, who detailed the devastating impacts of recent extreme weather events on their countries.
The Failing Political Will
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that while progress has been made, it is insufficient. He stressed that there is still a narrow window to stay within the targets of the landmark Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, he placed the blame squarely on a lack of political courage.
'As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to act swiftly, with faith and prophecy, to protect the gift He entrusted to us,' he said. 'But we must be honest: it is not the Agreement that is failing, we are failing in our response. What is failing is the political will of some.'
This direct challenge comes as the world's second-largest polluter, the United States, is notably absent from the conference. US President Donald Trump has previously dismissed climate change as a 'con job'.
Global Reactions and the Pope's Legacy
UN climate chief Simon Stiell welcomed the Pope's words, saying they 'challenge us to keep choosing hope and action.' He echoed the sentiment that the Paris Agreement remains the world's strongest tool, but that bolder action is needed.
David Gibson, a religion expert from Fordham University, noted that Pope Leo is cementing his role as the world's foremost moral leader on climate change. His background, having worked for decades as a missionary in Peru and being a naturalised Peruvian citizen, gives him a unique and powerful voice for the vulnerable in the Global South.
The Catholic Laudato Si' Movement described the message as a 'profound moral intervention' that cuts through negotiation noise and calls leaders back to their duty of courage, compassion, and justice.
