By Christina Hermoso
In a bid to further strengthen campaigns that seek to protect the environment, Caritas Internationalis, the social action arm of the Roman Catholic Church, has joined some 35 Catholic institutions from across the world in rejecting the continued use of fossil fuels.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle presides mass at the EDSA Shrine to celebrate the feast day of the Our Lady of EDSA which also marks the 32nd Anniversary of the People Power Revolution. (PHOTO/ ALVIN KASIBAN)
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Caritas Internationalis president said, the poor suffer the most from the effects of climate change, which is worsened by the pollution coming from the use of fossil fuels.
“The poor are suffering greatly from the climate crisis and fossil fuels are among the main drivers of this injustice. That is why Caritas Internationalis has decided not to invest in fossil fuels anymore,” Tagle said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
His Eminence said, this is one way by which the Church can directly address one of the root causes of poverty in the world.
Tomas Insua, executive director of Global Catholic Climate Movement, meanwhile, has expressed his gratitude and commended the Vatican for its support. The Church’s concrete action, he said, shows the institution’s love and concern for the environment.
“When it comes to protecting our common home, we have not a moment to lose. Divesting from fossil fuels puts love into action, bending the arc of emissions downward to protect our sisters and brothers around the world,” Insua said as he appealed to the faithful, concerned agencies, and all Catholic organizations to show their concern for the environment and to live out their faith by helping protect God’s creations.
Last year, some 40 Catholic institutions supported moves to divest from the use of fossil fuels.