SW News: Pope Francis has once again reiterated the responsibility of each person to care for the environment, which is one of the key elements of his pontificate. In two messages sent to the people affected by the wildfires in Italy and Greece, the pontiff highlighted the necessity to take “courageous and far-sighted efforts” to tackle the issues posed by climate change and the duty of each person to protect the planet, which is everyone’s common home.

On July 28, the Holy Father sent two telegrams to the citizens of Greece and Italy to express his closeness as they face the destruction resulting from the raging wildfires. Europe is currently experiencing its harshest summer in decades with mercury soaring above the normal levels causing wildfires. The telegram was sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and it was addressed to Bishop Petros Stefanou, the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Greece.

In the message, the pontiff said he was gravely concerned by the almost-fatal wildfires in different parts of the nation that are causing enormous damage. Pope Francis also assured his spiritual closeness to all those who are affected and promised prayers in a “particular way that Almighty God will bless the efforts of the firefighters and other emergency personnel to combat this hazardous situation”.

The Holy Father also wrote that he hoped the risks to “our common home, exacerbated by the present climate crisis, will spur all people to renew their efforts to care for the gift of creation, for the sake of future generations”.

Pope Francis’ second telegram message was addressed to the head of the Italian episcopate Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. He also recollected the thunderstorms and blazes that left a trail of destruction in several parts of Italy. The pontiff said he was praying that the Lord brings solace to the suffering people through the intercession of the Virgin Mother in the wake of such massive disasters.
He also commended the efforts of rescue workers who are providing assistance to the suffering masses.