By Paschal Norbert
VATICAN CITY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023 (CISA) – “Press ahead, press ahead!” These were the words of encouragement by Pope Francis to the Laudato Si Movement (LSM) at a meeting in the Vatican on November 6.
The meeting attended by Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Tomás Insua, LSM Executive Director, Ms Lorna Gold, LSM board chairperson, and Fr Xavier Jerajay SJ, LSM board member, was meant to update the pontiff of the latest developments within the movement.
According to Tomás Insua, the conversation with the pope revolved around the deep concern of LSM “about the urgent need for action at COP28, especially in the face of the alarming promotion of fossil fuels by the host – United Arab Emirates – and so many other powerful nations.”
Pope Francis who has announced his intention to attend the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held in Dubai beginning in late November, according to Insua, implored LSM to keep their resolve in “addressing the climate emergency and the urgency of our mission.”
In his message informing LSM members about the meeting with the pope, the executive director also appealed for donations from the people of goodwill to support the initiatives of the movement at COP28.
“Your contribution will directly support our activities at COP28 in Dubai and our ongoing work to combat the influence of the fossil fuel industry, by continuing to strengthen our movement to support the Church in being more prophetic. It’s a chance for you to be a part of this historic moment and join us in advocating for a more sustainable and just future,” he noted.
COP28 will be held at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
