Bishop Victor Phalana of the Diocese of Klerksdorp, South Africa, recently became the latest Catholic leader to sign the Healthy Planet, Healthy People petition as the Catholic family lifts a united voice ahead of a crucial United Nations summit.
Bishop Phalana signed the prophetic petition during a recent Season of Creation event that was held on Heritage Day in South Africa.
Bishop Phalana helped those in attendance recognize that “creation is part of our heritage.” During Mass he shared the importance of cherishing creation and living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and Archbishop Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille also recently encouraged all Catholics to sign the petition ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow.
At the summit, which begins 31 October, countries will announce their plans to meet the goals of the Paris agreement. Pope Francis plans to attend the conference, marking the first time a Pope has attended a UN climate change conference.
Support Pope Francis: Sign the Healthy Planet, Healthy People petition
The Bishop of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino also made time to sign the petition and a letter addressed to Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The letter calls on Prime Minister Draghi to “do more” at the national and international level and follow Pope Francis’ urgent call to action.
As Pope Francis said earlier this year, “We have the means. It is time to act, we are at the limit.”
Support Pope Francis: Sign the Healthy Planet, Healthy People petition
🇮🇹 The Bishop of #Assisi Domenico Sorrentino signs this petition we’re taking to the #cop26 to political leaders to demand #ecologicaljustice + #socialjustice = LIFE! 👉 https://t.co/2rAtAcj2zD 🌎 pic.twitter.com/tTjZ45EY0f
— Laudato Si’ Movement (@LaudatoSiMvmt) October 1, 2021
Learn more about the Healthy Planet, Healthy People petition:
Are these the only Bishops to sign?