Pope to Bishops at COP30: We are Guardians of Creation, Not Competitors for its Spoils

Vatican, Nov 18, 2025: In a video message to the bishops and cardinals of the Global South taking part in COP30 in Brazil, Pope Leo urged cooperation, insisting that it is not too late if we choose actions over words.

COP30 has dedicated much of its discussion time to the Global South, and the Catholic Church has been no exception, holding meetings and symposiums in which Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean were represented through their respective cardinals.

Pope Leo has also shown his closeness to the people of the Global South, sending a video message to all the bishops participating in COP.

On 17 November, as the first day of the second week came to an end, Pope Leo was likewise present in the Amazon, joining what he called “the prophetic voice” of his brother cardinals at COP30 who have been “telling the world with words and gestures that the Amazon region remains a living symbol of creation with an urgent need for care”.

Speaking to the bishops gathered in the Museu das Amazônias, Museum of the Amazonias, Pope Leo said: “You chose hope and action over despair, building a global community that works together.” And while acknowledging that progress has been made, he underlined that it is “not enough” and that “hope and determination must be renewed, not only in words and aspirations, but also in concrete actions”.

“Creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat,” he said, pointing out that “one in three people live in great vulnerability because of these climate changes”. For them, climate change is not a distant threat, and ignoring these people is to deny our shared humanity. The Pope stressed that although there is still time to keep the rise in global temperature below 1.5°C, the window is narrowing. “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to act swiftly, with faith and prophecy, to protect the gift He entrusted to us.”

Pope Leo then highlighted that the Paris Agreement has also made real progress, calling it “our strongest tool for protecting people and the planet”. But, he said, we must be honest: “it is not the Agreement that is failing, we are failing in our response. What is failing is the political will of some. True leadership means service, and support at a scale that will make a difference. Stronger climate actions will create stronger and fairer economic systems. Strong climate actions and policies – both are an investment in a more just and stable world.”

Concluding his message, the Pope recalled the work of the scientists, leaders and pastors of every nation and creed with whom we walk. We, he said, are guardians of creation, “not competitors for its spoils”.

Courtesy: Vatican News