Rome / Bogotá / Belém — March 16, 2026
Catholic leaders from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Oceania, and Europe gathered today for a global webinar to present the “Manifesto of the Churches of the Global South for Our Common Home: Towards Peace with Creation – An Urgent Call for a Just Transition Beyond Fossil Fuels.”
The event brought together bishops, theologians, and climate justice advocates to highlight the urgent moral and pastoral responsibility of the Church to respond to the climate crisis and protect vulnerable communities. More than 1,000 participants from around the world joined the historic online gathering.
The manifesto was presented by cardinals and bishops representing continental episcopal bodies, who emphasized the need for decisive global action to move away from fossil fuels while ensuring a just transition for workers and communities.
Jaime Spengler, Cardinal and President of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), highlighted the pastoral urgency of the moment.
“This manifesto responds to an economic model and technocratic paradigm that are responsible for an economy that kills, based on unsustainable consumption patterns. The Paris Agreement, while important, is not enough.
For the Church and our region, this manifesto means raising a prophetic voice, promoting ecological and cultural conversion, strengthening political advocacy, and renewing the preferential option for the most vulnerable.”
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Cardinal and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), stressed the importance of justice in the global energy transition. His message was delivered by Father Rafael Simbine Jr.
“A just transition must ensure that the dignity of people and the protection of creation remain at the center of global decisions. Africa has suffered serious setbacks due to projects that expose the vulnerability of many communities, putting both populations and the planet’s biodiversity at risk.”
Filipe Neri António Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão, Cardinal and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), called for greater global solidarity.
“We are living in a time that urgently demands a fossil fuel treaty. Asia faces diverse realities: large industrial centers dependent on coal coexist with coastal and rural communities already impacted by rising sea levels. This document is a call to denounce false market solutions and demand the phase-out of fossil fuels, while ensuring equitable policies that protect the sovereignty of countries and support communities currently dependent on fossil fuel industries.”
Ladislav Nemet, representing the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), emphasized the responsibility of wealthier nations.
“Europe and Oceania are committed to supporting this shared struggle. When we act together, our response becomes more effective. The current geopolitical tensions and their consequences for the climate are serious and alarming. Even a single act of destruction can destabilize the balance of our planet. The call to act together has never been more urgent.”
Ryan Jimenez, Bishop and President of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO), highlighted the existential threat climate change poses to island communities.
“For many of our peoples, the question of our common home is not an abstract idea. It is a daily reality that affects lives today and threatens the future of generations to come.”
A theological reflection on fossil fuels
During the webinar, the Laudato Si’ Movement presented the document “Theological Foundation: A Catholic Theological Reflection on the Proposal for a Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative.”
The reflection offers a moral framework for Church leaders and Catholic institutions, explaining why limiting fossil fuel production is consistent with Catholic social teaching, particularly in relation to the principles of justice, peace, prudence, and the protection of life.
Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, highlighted the importance of grounding climate action in the Church’s moral tradition.
“This theological reflection helps clarify why addressing fossil fuel expansion is not only a political or economic issue, but a profound moral and spiritual question. Catholic social teaching calls us to protect life, uphold justice, and act with prudence in the face of grave risks to our common home.”
She added that faith communities can play an important role in encouraging ethical leadership and supporting policies that move the global economy toward sustainable energy systems.
The event also included reflections from experts and regional representatives, including Jean D’Cunha from Asia, Jesuit priest Rigoberto Milano from Africa, and Fray Eduardo Agosta, an expert from Latin America.
Participants also highlighted the upcoming Santa Marta Conference on Just Energy Transition, to be held in Santa Marta, Colombia from April 24–29, as an important moment for dialogue and collaboration on a just energy transition.
The webinar concluded with a renewed call for governments, civil society, and faith communities to work together to advance peace with creation and the protection of our common home.
Relive the moment: Manifesto of the Churches of the Global South for Our Common Home
Find the Manifesto
More information about the theological document:
https://laudatosimovement.org/fft/
Media Contact:
Susana Salguero
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🌐 https://laudatosimovement.org/
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