Pope Francis on Earth'sick'

Pope Francis has called for urgent action to protect the environment, highlighting the Earth's deteriorating condition in a video message ahead of his upcoming 12-day trip to Southeast Asia. He described the planet as having a 'fever' and emphasized that climate change necessitates not only ecological responses but also social, economic, and political actions. The pontiff's September prayer intention, 'for the cry of the Earth,' coincides with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and the Season of Creation, a time for reflection on environmental stewardship. He pointed out that the most affected by climate-related disasters are the poor, who suffer due to floods, droughts, and other severe weather events. Francis has consistently advocated for environmental issues throughout his papacy, urging individuals to change their habits to combat the climate crisis. His statements reflect a growing global concern about the impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.