“No Regular Person Cares Anymore” – Pope Francis Denounces ‘Predatory Industries’ and Calls for Adherence to Scientific Guidance

Gabriel RomanOct 27, 2023

Minute Read

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has recently raised his voice about “ecological sins.” He spoke about their devastating effects on the planet and encouraged people to take action. However, some have questioned whether his powerful words inspire change or fall on deaf ears.

Pope’s Climate Message in May

Image Credit: Alessia Pierdomenico / Shutterstock.

In May, Pope Francis, alarmed by the deteriorating health of the Earth, made a poignant call. He urged people to “repent for ecological sins” and recognize the immense damage these actions cause. “Let us heed our call to stand with the victims of environmental and climate injustice,” he said, aiming to show the seriousness of the situation.

World Day of Prayer

Every year on September 1st, the Catholic Church celebrates a day dedicated to praying for Earth’s wellbeing. Pope Francis, honoring this age-old tradition, released a heartfelt message this year on May 25th. He made it available on the Vatican website, ensuring his words reached a global audience.

Environment’s Current State

Pope Francis was open and direct in his message. He declared the environment’s current state as both unjust and unacceptable, echoing the urgency for change. “The unrestrained burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests are pushing temperatures higher.” He also commented on the immediate threats that followed, such as “massive droughts.”

A Plea for Environmental Justice

He called for all people, no matter their religion or financial status, to support the people hurt by environmental damage. He called the oil and gas industry the main culprits of climate damage. In particular, he argued that greed was the main motivation for these, arguing that those involved needed to show more care to the planet.

Damaging Industries

Pope Francis then developed his words further. He expressed alarm about businesses recklessly exploiting our planet. He said, “predatory industries are depleting and polluting our freshwater sources through extreme practices such as fracking for oil and gas extraction, unchecked mega-mining projects, and intensive animal farming.”

Steps We Can Take

However, Pope Francis did not simply aim to criticize these industries. Instead, he encouraged people to live more sustainable lives. He said, “Let us adopt lifestyles marked by less waste and unnecessary consumption, especially where the processes of production are toxic and unsustainable.”

Positive Changes We Can Make

Pope Francis also encouraged people to have a more peaceful relationship with the environment. To do so, he prompted everyone to make informed decisions. He suggested that people try “using resources with moderation and a joyful sobriety, disposing and recycling waste, and making greater use of available products and services that are environmentally and socially responsible.”

Message to World Leaders

Aware of the influential power global leaders hold, Pope Francis directed a stern message towards them. “The world leaders who will gather for the COP28 summit in Dubai must listen to science and institute a rapid and equitable transition.” He called for an “end [of] the era of fossil fuel” and for people to prioritize the planet over profit.

The Paris Agreement

However, it was not the only COP28 that Pope Francis thought was important. He also discussed the Paris Agreement, arguing that there was no reason for countries to go against its terms. Additionally, he said that there were no valid reasons to allow fossil fuel industries to continue growing. The Paris Agreement was made as a commitment to safeguarding the Earth.

Power of the Catholic Church

With its vast influence, the Catholic Church’s teachings resonate globally. In making these comments, Pope Francis believed that his pleas could create a global shift. If people follow his guidance, his message has the potential to guide millions to make eco-friendly choices. However, some are critical of his views.

Will The World Listen?

Pope Francis’s recent pronouncements could be pivotal in steering the global environmental conversation. Despite his call for the need for collective action, some believe it is only the big business who have a part to play. Additionally, other users have questioned whether global citizens will rise to the occasion.

Christian Priorities in the US

In response to Pope Francis’s statements, one user questioned if people would listen to his words. One observer noted, “Christians nowadays, at least in the US, seem more swayed by figures like Donald Trump than by Pope Francis.” This sentiment highlights a potential shift in who commands religious influence in America.

The Radio and Catholicism

Another user commented, “In the past ten years, the FM dial in my area has sprouted several religious outlets- two of them Catholic. It is almost all disgusting disinformation. Mainstream Catholicism has fluctuated over the centuries […] it has hardened into extreme right-wing conservatism. Good luck convincing that rank and file of anything that isn’t overt anti-women’s reproductive rights and vilifying nonbinary people.”

Religion as a Political Tool

However, some believed religion could be pivotal in swaying political decisions. One comment suggested, “Religion could be a crucial avenue for broadening the base of political support for fossil fuel abolition. If American Catholics took the Pope’s position seriously and voted that way, it would transform US politics.”

Misplaced Priorities?

Some critics believe that certain groups might be focusing on the wrong issues. They argued that it would be impossible for Pope Francis to convince most Republicans. They said, “Those people care more about burning books and keeping evil drag queens guest readers out of our schools than they ever have about the environment. Who’s he kidding?”

The Challenge with Church Hierarchy

While many might be open to Pope Francis’s messages, there’s skepticism about its acceptance among church elites. As one person put it, “Convincing me isn’t the issue. The real challenge lies in persuading bishops and other top figures.” They argued that it was more important to encourage high-ranking individuals to make a change.

Billionaires and Carbon Footprints

Similarly, another user spoke about the inequality between ‘regular’ people and billionaires in terms of environmental impact. One individual pointed out, “When one billionaire uses more than one regular person’s carbon in a day than a regular person would use in 200 lifetimes, no regular person cares anymore.”

Changing the Face of Catholicism in the US

Additionally, people’s view of Catholicism in the US appears to have evolved. One comment highlighted, “Kind of crazy how much Catholicism in the US has changed. They still look up to the Pope but also happily ignore anything he says that they don’t like. It’s turned into any other flavor of Christianity, where people just pick and choose whatever parts they like and ignore the rest.”