Pope Francis encourages Brazilian Catholics to engage in integral ecology through the Campaign for Fraternity, emphasizing the need for personal and communal transformation in response to the ecological crisis. His message highlights Brazil’s rich biodiversity and the importance of environmental stewardship, particularly with the upcoming COP30 Conference.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil has initiated the Campaign for Fraternity, celebrating its 61st year with a focus on “Fraternity and Integral Ecology” during Lent. This year’s theme emphasizes integral conversion, aiming to address the urgent concerns of both the poor and the Earth.
On Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis conveyed his support for the Brazilian Catholic community, praising the bishops’ efforts with the campaign. He encourages participants to engage in a transformative journey rooted in the principles of his encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” which highlights the necessity of an ecological consciousness due to the pressing ecological crisis that demands deep personal change.
Brazil’s rich biodiversity makes environmental protection crucial, especially with the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) set to occur in Belém do Pará, located in the Amazon. The Pope indicated that the theme for the 2025 Campaign for Fraternity reinforces the Church’s commitment to promoting global cooperation aimed at resolving the climate crisis and safeguarding Creation.
Pope Francis articulated his hope that the Campaign will serve as a significant resource for individuals and communities in Brazil to strengthen their dedication to integral ecology beyond the Lenten season, fostering environmental stewardship.
Pope Francis strongly advocates for environmental protection, especially in Brazil, highlighting the importance of integral ecology and the need for profound personal conversion in response to the ecological crisis. The Campaign for Fraternity aims to cultivate a shared commitment to care for the Earth, aligning with the Church’s efforts to promote global cooperation in mitigating climate change. Ultimately, it is hoped that this initiative will empower communities to actively engage in environmental stewardship.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
