Belém: The Holy See has renewed its call for strong and united global action to protect people and the environment as the COP30 climate summit continues in Belém. Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, Apostolic Nuncio to Brazil and Deputy Head of the Vatican Delegation, shared details about the Church’s work at the conference and the message it hopes to bring to world leaders.
Archbishop Diquattro said the 10 member delegation, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, includes representatives from several Vatican offices. He explained that the Church’s presence is more than technical participation. It is meant to bring an ethical and human focus to the global climate debate.
He said the Holy See’s main contribution is to remind countries that climate change is not only a scientific or economic issue but a moral one. According to him, climate discussions must always consider human dignity and the suffering of people who are already facing rising temperatures, extreme weather and environmental loss.
The archbishop recalled Pope Leo XIV’s message to the summit, which urged nations to see the human face of the crisis. He said behind every policy debate and scientific report there are communities struggling to survive and young people hoping for a safer future.
The Holy See has also underlined the close link between peace and care for creation. Archbishop Diquattro said wars and environmental destruction often fuel each other, and peace efforts must include protecting the earth.
On key negotiations, the Vatican has stressed the need for a just transition that does not weaken progress made at earlier climate meetings. The delegation has called for reducing dependence on fossil fuels while ensuring support for people and countries most affected by climate change.
Financial support for poorer nations is another priority. The archbishop said climate finance must be guided by true solidarity and fraternity. He noted that many vulnerable countries are facing both climate impacts and heavy debt. The Holy See believes cancelling sovereign debt, especially where ecological damage is involved, is an important step toward fairness.
The Vatican is also participating in talks on the Gender Action Plan. While highlighting the heavy climate burden carried by women and girls, especially in the Global South, the Holy See has warned against including language it considers controversial. Archbishop Diquattro said the focus should remain on education, participation of women in decision making and support for developing countries.
He also reaffirmed that the Vatican is committed to its own climate responsibilities. Although the city state has very small emissions, it is investing in projects that lower its carbon footprint and promote education in integral ecology.
Looking ahead, the Holy See hopes COP30 will strengthen global cooperation and confirm the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The archbishop said climate decisions must place people and nature at the centre, not the demands of the economy alone.
He added that educating communities in integral ecology is essential for building a culture of care. This approach connects the environment, society and the economy and encourages responsibility toward future generations.
Archbishop Diquattro acknowledged that defending human dignity and creation at a large and diverse meeting like COP30 is not simple. Yet he said the Church’s mission is to build bridges, promote dialogue and call for shared responsibility.
He quoted the Gospel verse “Blessed are the peacemakers” and said this spirit must guide international efforts. The Holy See, he added, will continue to work so that climate policies protect the poor, respect creation and promote peace among nations.