Neil Thorns, Director of Advocacy at CAFOD, said:
“Pope Francis delivered a clear, urgent message aimed squarely at those causing the climate crisis and with the money to make a difference.
“He highlighted the large footprint of a few nations who’ve caused this crisis and what those nations now owe to the poorest communities who are suffering under heavy debts incurred by responding to the climate crisis. He also called on the money squandered on weapons to be spent on the poorest communities and climate action.
“The Pope's message is very well timed as we move into discussions on a global stocktake. These discussions must be a time for leaders to heed his call: not for a partial change, but a new way of making progress together, and for choosing a culture of life over a culture of death.
“Pope Francis has been outspoken in recognising it is the world’s poorest who have been hit hardest by the climate crisis. At CAFOD we work with communities who have paid the ultimate price due to extreme weather patterns – losing homes, jobs and members of their own families. The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund is a start which must push us forward to provide the necessary long-term funding to support affected communities.”
