Pope Leo advocates for a change in direction regarding climate change, addressing his statements to the Scouts
Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message to the Scouts of France during the "Clameurs" Rally in Jambville, emphasizing the urgency of environmental protection and sustainability. The Pope's message, delivered on July 26th, highlighted the need for a change of course to address environmental devastation such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequalities in access to resources like water and energy.
The gathering, which brought together approximately 20,000 young people for four days, aimed to contribute to environmental protection and strengthening commitment to the common good. The Pope's message was read out at the event and served as a rallying cry for the youth to be agents of change in the fight against climate change.
The Pope's message was inspired by the principles of Laudato Si', emphasizing Christian values in environmental stewardship and promoting Scouting as a force for combating climate change. He highlighted the importance of ecological education to reverse current harmful trends and encouraged young people to serve life and the common good with humility, a spirit of service, and a deep relationship with Christ.
The Pope saw the Scouts’ gathering as a vital opportunity to discern new paths to safeguard the planet. He called on youth not to succumb to despair or pessimism but to move forward with hope. The Pope's message was a call to action, urging young people to be ambassadors of brotherhood and peace in their living environment.
Pope Leo XIV also encouraged young people to be bridge builders between generations, cultures, and peoples. He called for an inner change to modify habits and mentality towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. The Pope's message emphasized the importance of maintaining hope, avoiding discouragement, and not succumbing to pessimism.
In addition, the Pope called on the participants of the gathering to spread the Gospel, live, and share charity, which he stated requires humility, service, and a deep relationship with Christ. The Pope's message encouraged young people to be agents of peace in their living environment, using the diverse backgrounds of young people as a "wealth, a resource" for a broader perspective and imagining a world of peace.
In summary, Pope Leo XIV’s message to the Scouts of France stressed:
- The seriousness of environmental crises confronting humanity globally.
- The essential role of young people in fostering ecological education and taking action.
- The need for a change in mindset and behavior toward sustainability rooted in faith and service.
- Encouragement to face environmental challenges with hope and active engagement rather than pessimism.
These points imply that the Church is urging Catholic youth to integrate environmental responsibility with their spiritual growth and use the Scouting movement to promote a more just and sustainable world.
- As agents of change, the Pope encourages young Scouts to apply principles from environmental science, particularly addressing climate-change and biodiversity loss, within the context of Laudato Si', emphasizing personal-growth grounded in Christian values and humility.
- To reverse harmful trends, the Pope urges the integration of education-and-self-development with environmental science, motivating youth to serve life and the common good with a deep relationship with Christ, aiming for a more sustainable world.
- Furthermore, the Pope encourages Scouts to become bridge builders in fostering intergenerational, cultural, and societal harmony, promoting peace and brotherhood while sharing the Gospel, spreading charity, and adopting an environmentally-friendly lifestyle as part of their personal-growth and evangelization efforts.
