Towards Peace with Creation: An Urgent Call for a Just Transition Beyond Fossil Fuels
Catholic Church leaders from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Oceania, and Europe will present a joint manifesto on March 16 calling on the international community to advance a just energy transition beyond fossil fuels.
The document, titled “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,” will be presented during a global webinar on Monday, March 16 at 15:00 (Rome time).
The manifesto was developed and signed by cardinals and archbishops who lead continental episcopal bodies. It warns of the urgency of responding to the climate crisis while protecting the most vulnerable communities and safeguarding the planet.
Participants in the event will include:
- Jaime Spengler, Cardinal and President of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM)
- Fridolin Ambongo, Cardinal and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)
- Filipe Neri António Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão, Cardinal and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC)
- Ladislav Nemet, Cardinal and representative of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE)
- Ryan Jimenez, Bishop and President of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO)
The manifesto warns that the ecological crisis has reached a critical point.
“We recognize, with sorrow and urgency, that the world that shelters us is collapsing and may be nearing a breaking point,” the document states.
It also recalls the scientific consensus on the climate crisis, noting that the burning of coal, oil, and gas accounted for 86% of global carbon dioxide emissions between 2010 and 2019, underscoring the urgent need to move toward sustainable energy alternatives.
Call for a just energy transition
The signatories urge governments to strengthen international dialogue to advance a sustainable and equitable energy system. In particular, they highlight the upcoming Santa Marta Conference in Colombia, from April 24–29, as an important opportunity for discussion.
The document also calls on governments to consider supporting a Fossil Fuel Treaty, an international initiative aimed at accelerating the phase-out of coal, oil, and gas production.
During the event, the Laudato Si’ Movement will also present the document “Theological Foundation: A Catholic Theological Reflection on the Proposal for a Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative.”
The reflection offers a clear moral framework for Church leaders and Catholic institutions in addressing the climate crisis. It explains 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.
The webinar will also feature experts and regional representatives reflecting on the role of faith communities in advancing climate justice and care for our common home.
Expert speakers include:
- Jean D’Cunha, Asia
- Rigoberto Milano, Africa
- Representative to be confirmed, Latin America and the Caribbean
Event Details
Date: Monday, March 16, 2026
Time:
15:00 Rome (CET)
10:00 a.m. Panama, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador
11:00 a.m. Venezuela, Bolivia
12:00 p.m. Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
9:00 a.m. Mexico and Central America
Duration: 90 minutes
Registration:
https://bit.ly/Sulglobal
More information about the theological document:
https://laudatosimovement.org/fft/
About the Laudato Si’ Movement
The Laudato Si’ Movement is a global Catholic organization that inspires and mobilizes the Church to care for our common home. Present in more than 180 countries, LSM promotes ecological conversion through spirituality, advocacy, and local action inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.
Media Contact:
Susana Salguero
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://laudatosimovement.org/
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