Pope Leo XIV Urges Concrete Climate Action at COP30: "The Window Is Closing"

Pope Leo XIV has called for "concrete actions" to address climate change during his address to religious dignitaries on the sidelines of the COP30 summit, expressing concern that some world leaders lack the necessary will to act.

In his speech to churches of the southern hemisphere gathered near the UN climate talks in Belem, Brazil, the Vatican released the American pontiff's remarks describing the Amazon region as "a living symbol of creation with an urgent need for care."

"Creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat," Pope Leo stated emphatically.

He highlighted the human impact of the climate crisis, noting, "One in three people live in great vulnerability because of these climate changes. To them, climate change is not a distant threat, and to ignore these people is to deny our shared humanity."

The pope placed responsibility on political leadership, saying, "What is failing is the political will of some."

As the UN climate negotiations enter their crucial final phase this week, with government ministers arriving Monday to take over discussions, nations remain divided on several key issues.

"There is still time to keep the rise in global temperature below 1.5C, but the window is closing," warned Pope Leo, advocating for "concrete actions" while emphasizing the importance of the Paris Agreement.

The Chicago-born pontiff defended the historic 2015 Paris accord as the "strongest tool for protecting people and the planet." He expressed concern about US President Donald Trump's stated intention to withdraw the United States from the agreement for a second time.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature increases to "well below" 2C compared to pre-industrial levels, with a preferred target of 1.5C.

Pope Leo criticized unnamed leaders for their insufficient efforts, stating, "True leadership means service and support on a scale that will truly make a difference." He called for stronger climate action that would create "stronger and fairer economic systems."

"Let us send a clear global signal together: nations standing in unwavering solidarity behind the Paris Agreement and climate cooperation," he urged.

Since becoming pope in May, Leo XIV, who spent approximately 20 years as a missionary in Peru, has consistently pushed for increased pressure on governments to address climate change.

Last month, during a climate conference near Rome, he called for an "ecological conversion" to help vulnerable communities.

His advocacy continues the legacy of Pope Francis's influential climate manifesto "Laudato Si," which marked its 10-year anniversary in October.

COP30 is scheduled to conclude in five days, proceeding without the US government's participation. Countries continue to disagree on numerous issues including climate ambition, unilateral trade measures, finance, and the potential roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels.

UN climate chief Simon Stiell welcomed Pope Leo's "strong message," saying, "His words urge us to continue to choose hope and action."