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Pope Francis delivered his annual Christmas Urbi et Orbi message in Saint Peter’s Square, highlighting global concerns including climate change and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The pontiff used this platform to advocate for international debt relief while addressing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
In discussing the humanitarian challenges facing several African nations including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Mozambique, Francis attributed these crises primarily to armed conflicts and terrorism. He further suggested that these situations are worsened by what he termed the “devastating effects of climate change,” making the notable assertion that climate change has caused widespread loss of life and population displacement.
This year's Christmas Urbi et Orbi Blessing, imparted by the Holy Father. By the willful grace and intent of the Pope, a plenary indulgence is granted to all the faithful present and to those who receive his blessing by radio, television and social media. pic.twitter.com/ZiFxD1PCFN
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) December 25, 2024
The Pope’s message reflected his longstanding position on environmental issues. In a previous Vatican climate conference, he stated: “The specter of climate change looms over every aspect of existence, threatening water, air, food and energy systems.” He also claimed that “more than three and a half billion people live in regions that are highly sensitive to the ravages of climate change.”
During that same conference, Francis emphasized the urgency of addressing what he described as a “planetary crisis.” He called for significant political changes and decisive action, particularly advocating for global decarbonization and reduced dependency on fossil fuels, declaring: “We need to act urgently – urgently! because the stakes couldn’t be higher.”
The Swiss Guard’s picchetto prepares for the Urbi et Orbi Blessing
— Jan 🏴 (@RosaryMum) December 26, 2024
However, these views stand in contrast to recent scientific opinions. A significant group of over 1,600 scientists, including Nobel laureates, recently challenged such climate emergency claims through their “World Climate Declaration.” The declaration stated: “There is no statistical evidence that global warming is intensifying hurricanes, floods, droughts and suchlike natural disasters, or making them more frequent. However, there is ample evidence that CO2-mitigation measures are as damaging as they are costly.”
The declaration further emphasized: “There is no climate emergency. Therefore, there is no cause for panic and alarm.” It concluded with the recommendation: “We strongly oppose the harmful and unrealistic net-zero CO2 policy proposed for 2050. Go for adaptation instead of mitigation; adaptation works whatever the causes are.”
