Letters from schoolchildren handed to Pope Francis in Rome

12 July 2018

CAFOD's Monica Conmee presented the letters from schoolchildren to Pope Francis

Pope Francis has been given a set of letters written by pupils in schools across England and Wales.

The letters, from primary schoolchildren around the country, were written in response to the Pope’s encyclical or letter to the world, Laudato Si’.

CAFOD’s Head of Education, Monica Conmee, handed the letters to the Holy Father at the Vatican.

The Pope’s encyclical urges everyone to care for ‘our common home’ because of the impact the climate change is having on the world’s poorest people.

Respond to the Pope’s call and ask your MP to push for stronger carbon emissions targets.

Schools taking action to protect the environment

Monica said:

“It was an amazing moment to share the beautiful letters with Pope Francis.

“The Pope looked thrilled to receive the letters and it seemed he couldn’t wait to look through the album.

“I felt privileged to present the letters to the Pope on behalf of all the children, young people and teachers in Catholic schools throughout the country who’ve been learning about and taking action to protect the planet – our common home.”

Take a look at CAFOD's education resources on climate change

Pupils throughout England and Wales have written letters to the Pope

"We are sending you our replies to let you know that we have been inspired"

Vatican climate change conference

The Pope received the letters at a conference in Rome marking three years since the publication of Laudato Si’.

The meeting, which was attended by scientists, economists and diplomats from around the world, was organised to look at the ways in which Catholics can continue to call for action on climate change ahead of important international discussions in the coming months.