Pope Francis Urges Global Action on Ecological and Economic Debt at U.N. Climate Summit

Pope Francis addressed the U.N. climate summit on Wednesday, delivering a powerful message that stressed the importance of addressing both ecological and foreign debt in the fight against climate change. He warned that both forms of debt are “mortgaging the future” of nations, particularly those already struggling under the weight of crippling economic burdens.

In his message to the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, the pope emphasized the need for global efforts to find sustainable solutions that would not further damage the development potential of countries already facing severe economic challenges. “Efforts should be made to find solutions that do not further undermine the development and adaptive capacity of many countries that are already burdened with crippling economic debt,” he stated.

One of the key focuses of COP29 is the establishment of a “New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance,” which aims to mobilize resources to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts across nations. Climate finance, as defined by the U.N., refers to the financial resources, whether local, national, or transnational, that are allocated to help mitigate the effects of climate change and support global sustainability initiatives.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is representing the Holy See at the summit. On November 13, he read Pope Francis’ message to the assembly, reinforcing the pope’s call for increased international solidarity and cooperation on climate issues.

Pope Francis used his platform at the climate summit to underscore what he sees as a growing indifference toward environmental issues in the modern era. “We cannot wash our hands of it, with distance, with carelessness, with disinterest. This is the real challenge of our century,” he declared. He highlighted how indifference to climate change has compounded the problem, calling it “an accomplice to injustice.”

The pope’s remarks come at a critical moment in global climate discussions. The Conference of the Parties (COP) has been convening annually since 1995 to assess and address the goals of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Holy See became a full member of the UNFCCC and the 2015 Paris Agreement in 2022, further demonstrating its commitment to global climate action.

Pope Francis also reiterated the Holy See’s support for the work of COP29, particularly in the area of integral ecology and environmental education. He emphasized that the climate crisis is not only an environmental issue but also a profound human and social issue, affecting the poorest and most vulnerable communities around the world. “It is essential to seek a new international financial architecture that is human-centered, bold, creative, and based on the principles of equity, justice, and solidarity,” he urged.

The pontiff emphasized that such a new financial framework must prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable nations, many of which are already facing the worst impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to the global crisis. He called for a financial system that enables all countries to pursue both low-carbon and equitable development pathways that ensure every nation can reach its full potential while safeguarding human dignity.

“A new international financial architecture that can truly ensure for all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to climate disasters, both low-carbon and high-sharing development pathways that enable everyone to reach their full potential and see their dignity respected,” Pope Francis stressed.

The pope’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a shift in how the world approaches climate finance, as well as the role of international cooperation in addressing the mounting pressures of both ecological and economic debts. His call for a human-centered financial system reflects his ongoing advocacy for a more equitable world, where the wealthiest nations support the sustainable development of poorer countries, rather than perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and debt.

Pope Francis’ message to the U.N. climate summit also aligns with his broader environmental teachings, which have been a cornerstone of his papacy. His 2015 encyclical, *Laudato si’*, called for urgent action to combat climate change and protect the planet, emphasizing the moral and ethical responsibility to care for the Earth and its most vulnerable inhabitants. In his address to the COP29 assembly, the pope reiterated this commitment, framing the climate crisis as a deeply interconnected issue that requires a global response rooted in justice and solidarity.

As the COP29 conference continues, world leaders, policymakers, and climate activists will continue to grapple with the complex and multifaceted challenges of addressing global climate change. Pope Francis’ message serves as a powerful reminder that climate change is not only an environmental issue but one that touches on broader themes of economic justice, human dignity, and the future of humanity itself.

In his call to action, the pope highlighted the responsibility of both wealthy and developing nations to work together in finding innovative and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. He urged world leaders to take bold steps in addressing both foreign and ecological debts, which, if left unaddressed, could hinder the development and prosperity of future generations.

Pope Francis’ message to the U.N. climate summit is a timely reminder that the fight against climate change is not just about reducing emissions and protecting ecosystems but also about addressing the systemic injustices that have contributed to the crisis. The Holy See’s continued advocacy for a just and human-centered approach to climate finance is a call for greater international cooperation, solidarity, and action to ensure that the future of our planet is one of sustainability, justice, and dignity for all.

Pope Francis’ message to COP29 underscores the interconnectedness of economic and environmental challenges facing nations today. By calling for a new financial architecture centered on equity and justice, he emphasizes the moral imperative to address both foreign and ecological debts, ensuring that all nations, especially the most vulnerable, can thrive and contribute to a sustainable future.