Pinoy priest asks Pope Francis to address climate change

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis may talk about the issue of climate change in one of his homilies.

An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines will write a letter to the Pope, asking him to address environmental issues, noting that there is a need for a moral intervention from the Church.

NASSA/Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary Fr. Edwin Gariguez and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice said in a joint statement that the country has experienced the effects of the abuse of nature.

The priest will hand the letter for the Roman Pontiff through Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

According to a report, Gariguez would ask the Pope to encourage the government to commit to climate change mitigation measures.

“Investing in fossil fuel companies and in eco-destructive projects is synonymous to supporting the destruction of our future. Divestment provides the means to change this status quo – to shift towards a system that will prioritize the welfare of the people and of nature over the relentless pursuit of profit,” Gariguez said.

Citing the effects of super typhoon Yolanda, Gariguez explained that the Philippines is one of the countries most affected by weather-related disasters.

“Facing hunger, increased mortality due to temperature increase, more destruction from extreme weather events, the Philippines is at the doorstep of all major threat of climate change,” the Catholic priest added.

The Pope is expected to talk about mercy and compassion during his five-day visit to the country.

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