Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong rebuke to world leaders over what he described as a “persistent and dangerous lack of political will” in confronting the global climate crisis.
Speaking in a video message at the start of the decisive final week of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil on Monday, the Pontiff warned that despite decades of scientific evidence and growing environmental devastation, many governments continue to delay decisive action.
He noted that vulnerable communities—particularly in poorer regions—are already bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters such as extreme heat, flooding, crop failure, and forced migration.
“The planet is crying out, yet too many leaders refuse to hear,” Pope Leo said. “We cannot continue down a path where economic interests consistently outweigh human survival and the health of our common home.”
He urged industrialized nations to accelerate emissions cuts, scale up renewable energy adoption, and support developing countries in adapting to climate impacts. The Pope also called for global cooperation, saying the climate crisis “cannot be solved by isolated actions or half-measures.”
Environmental groups welcomed his remarks, noting that religious and moral leadership plays a vital role in mobilizing public pressure for climate action. However, climate activists insisted that moral appeals must be matched with binding international commitments.
Pope Leo concluded his address with a call for personal responsibility as well, urging individuals, communities, and institutions to embrace sustainable lifestyles. “Every choice matters,” he said. “We must move from words to courageous action.”
A closing window
COP30 enters its final stretch this week as ministers arrive to navigate deep divisions on several core issues, from the phase-out of fossil fuels to climate finance and trade measures. Five days remain before the scheduled close of the summit, though negotiators caution that major sticking points persist.
“There is still time to limit global warming to under 1.5°C, but the window of opportunity is closing,” Pope Leo XIV warned, renewing his defense of the 2015 Paris climate accord.
The agreement—whose withdrawal was announced once again by U.S. President Donald Trump—aims to keep temperature rise “well below” 2°C above pre-industrial levels and ideally to 1.5°C.
Calling the Paris Agreement “the most effective tool to protect people and the planet,” the Pope lamented insufficient efforts by certain unnamed world leaders. “What is lacking is political will,” he said. “True leadership means committing at a scale that can genuinely make a difference.”
He urged the global community to send “a clear signal of unity”: nations standing firmly behind the Paris Agreement and renewed multilateral cooperation on climate action.
