"Climate Action: A Necessity, Says Catholic Bishops to Incoming Administration"
Federal Catholic leaders advocate for robust climate action from the incoming administration.
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The Catholic German Bishops' Conference has urged the incoming federal government to address climate protection in their political deliberations. Concluding their spring plenary assembly in Kloster Steinfeld, Aachen's diocese, Chairman Bishop Georg Bätzing expressed hope for a "solid coalition program" and a renewed focus on climate change.
Bätzing emphasized the need for a "significant effort" towards climate policy, stating that the Catholic Church serves as a "lobbyist" for climate policies, often overshadowed in current discussions and deemed a luxurious issue. However, Bätzing asserts that climate issues form the very foundation of the problems humanity currently faces.
During the plenary assembly's study day, the bishops scrutinized "Laudato si," Pope Francis' encyclical about climate and environmental policy, which was published ten years ago.
Bishop Bätzing strongly criticized the US government under former President Donald Trump, particularly their handling of the Ukraine situation. He deemed it reckless to pursue rapprochement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Putin's objectives in Ukraine could destabilize Europe. Trump's attempts to secure Ukraine's resources through blackmail were deemed unacceptable and a "scandal."
The bishops also discussed the ongoing abuse scandal in the Catholic Church during their plenary assembly, with Bätzing defending the system of the independent commission for recognition payments, despite criticism over compensation amounts. Bätzing stated that there is no comparable out-of-court system in Germany for such voluntary performances.
Source: ntv.de, AFP
- The Catholic German Bishops' Conference, led by Chairman Bishop Georg Bätzing, has emphasized the need for a substantial commitment towards climate policy, positioning the Catholic Church as a proactive "lobbyist" pushing for the implementation of climate policies.
- During the spring plenary assembly, bishops scrutinized "Laudato si," Pope Francis' encyclical on climate and environmental policy, highlighting the significance of climate issues to the livelihood of humanity.
- In the upcoming administration, the bishops hope for a renewed focus on climate change, with vocational training forming a critical part of their community policy, as they strive to address the pressing challenges faced by society.
