The Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) is in an advanced stage of negotiation with the iCS and will be the future grantee of the portfolio of Climate Policy and Outreach. With enormous potential in the dialogue about climate change in the religious dimension, the GCCM works worldwide to demonstrate the importance of the issue.

Last month, Pope Francis disclosed – via an official press release – a serious warning about climate change to executives of large oil companies and their main investors. At a meeting organized by the Vatican, the Pope said:

“Faced with a climate emergency, we must take action accordingly, in order to avoid perpetrating a brutal act of injustice towards the poor and future generations.”

Pope Francis asked CEOs and investors in oil and gas companies to make a “radical energy transition,” saying: “In our meeting last year, I expressed the concern that civilization requires energy, but energy use must not destroy civilization. Today a radical energy transition is needed to save our common home.”

The concern that oil and gas companies continue to conduct business in the same way, despite claiming otherwise, is evidenced in a speech made last month, in which the Pope said:

“Investments in fossil fuels continue to rise, even though scientists tell us that fossil fuels should remain underground.”

Pope Francis also mentioned the youth mobilization that has awakened millions of activists for the climate. In his speech, he said:

“Future generations stand to inherit a greatly spoiled world. Our children and grandchildren should not have to pay the cost of our generation’s irresponsibility. In fact, as it is becoming increasingly evident, young people demand a change.”

While the Pope was speaking, students from Fridays For the Future of Rome, a group that is part of the Greta Thunberg movement, were protesting at the Vatican, demanding that the CEOs of the oil companies “listen to the Pope.”

The declaration by Pope Francis can be read in full here . Part of this text forms part of the release issued by the GCCM, on June 14 **