A group of Sri Lankan refugees arriving at Rameshwaram Island in Tamil Nadu (Credit: Climatalk).
As World Refugee Day, promoted by the United Nations, was celebrated on Sunday, June 20, Pope Francis called to pray for this reality and learn from the resilience of those fleeing war, violence and poverty.
“Let us open our hearts to refugees, let us make their sorrows, their joys our own, let us learn from their courageous resilience,” Francis mentioned while praying the Angelus on Sunday. He added a special appeal to the “heartbreaking” reality in Myanmar: “May the heart of Christ touch the hearts of all, bringing them peace”.
Cardinal Claudio Hummes, president of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon, was decorated last week as Doctor Honoris Causa for his work in defense of human rights and the environment. The distinction was awarded by the National University of Rosario, Argentina.
The Pope was present and expressed his joy, thanking God “for giving us these leaders who have the courage to open paths, roads and to provoke dreams”.
Ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Great Britain, the Vatican announced the conference “Faith and Science: Towards COP26” for October 4. About 40 leaders of the world’s main religions will participate together with 10 scientists, and will give a strong message.
In Panama, Catholic groups issued a communiqué asking the government to reverse the mining expansion plan. “Panama is a small country with very fragile ecosystems, so it is necessary to lay the foundations for a green economy and circular production that benefits everyone along with the environment,” they said.
Although the Escazu Agreement entered into force on April 22 in a dozen Latin American countries, there is still a lack of hope in Colombia, where it was rejected by Congress this weekend. Let us unite in prayer for a prompt positive response from governments to this urgent need.
Save the date now!
This Thursday, June 24, the Higher Diploma in Integral Ecology, promoted by the Ecoceno Foundation and the University Network for the Care of the Common Home, invites you to participate in its 10th virtual discussion entitled: “Food Sovereignty: Transitions to Sustainability”. Available in Spanish, register here.
The Pontifical University Antonianum of Rome announced its new Bachelor’s degree course in Philosophy with a specialization in Integral Ecology. Friar Agustin Hernandez Vidales OFM, principal of the study house, announced its intention to “propose a curriculum with a new way of life that is concerned with the care of our Common Home.”
Read more about these topics:
- World Refugee Day: A clarion call to protect and support migrants
- Mandalay Archbishop: Myanmar people grateful for Pope’s support
- Myanmar cardinal urges people to have faith and hope
- Cardenal Hummes es condecorado como Doctor Honoris Causa por su trabajo en defensa de los derechos humanos y medio ambiente
- Alegría del Papa Francisco ante el Honoris Causa al cardenal Hummes: “un sembrador de esperanza”
- Catholic groups call for Panama to reverse plan to expand mining
- Vatican to host ‘Faith and Science’ talks to raise stakes ahead of U.N. climate summit
- Sobreexplotación de acuíferos y cambio climático adelantan la desertificación
- Colombia no ratifica el Acuerdo de Escazú sobre defensa ambiental
- Año Laudato si’, Antonianum promueve Licenciatura en Ecología Integral