Pope Francis Urges Brazilian Catholics to Embrace Integral Ecology

Pope Francis supports the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil’s Campaign for Fraternity, focusing on “Fraternity and Integral Ecology”. He emphasizes the need for ecological conversion and encourages global cooperation to combat climate change in light of Brazil’s biodiversity. The Campaign aims to support communities’ commitment to integral ecology, preparing for COP30 in the Amazon.

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil has initiated the Campaign for Fraternity for 61 years, with this year’s focus on “Fraternity and Integral Ecology,” promoting integral conversion and addressing the needs of both the poor and the Earth during Lent. Pope Francis expressed his support for this initiative in a message released on Ash Wednesday, commending the bishops for promoting conversion rooted in the teachings of his encyclicals, “Laudato Si’” and “Laudate Deum.”

Pope Francis emphasized that the ecological crisis necessitates a deep internal transformation. He recalled Pope John Paul II’s call for supporting ecological conversion to enhance humanity’s awareness of its responsibility to care for the environment. Given Brazil’s rich biodiversity, this message is timely as the country prepares for COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, to be held in Belém do Pará, situated in the Amazon.

The Pope articulated his hope that the upcoming Campaign for Fraternity would stimulate global cooperation to tackle the climate crisis while safeguarding God’s creation. He affirmed his wish for this campaign to serve as a significant support for Brazilian communities as they engage in the pursuit of integral ecology.

Pope Francis’s message underscores the importance of environmental stewardship within the context of Brazilian society’s unique ecological challenges. By emphasizing integral ecology and cooperation in addressing climate issues, the Pope aims to inspire a collective commitment to caring for the planet. This Campaign for Fraternity stands as an important initiative in fostering a deeper connection between spirituality and environmental conservation.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va