Cardinal Parolin: Time Is Running Out to Act on Climate

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, has issued a strong appeal for urgent action to address the global climate crisis, warning that environmental disasters now displace more people than wars. Speaking in Belém, Brazil, on the sidelines of the Climate Summit ahead of COP30, he said the Church remains deeply committed to offering an ethical response to the climate emergency and reviving international cooperation that has weakened in recent years.

“Time is running short,” Cardinal Parolin said, quoting Saint Paul. “The moment to act is now, and it is essential to move from promises to concrete measures.” He is leading the Holy See’s delegation to the summit in Belém, the capital of Brazil’s Pará state, where government leaders, faith representatives, and civil society groups have gathered to prepare for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference set for mid November.

The Cardinal emphasized that the human cost of climate change is escalating, with communities across the world, particularly in poorer regions, facing displacement, hunger, and loss of livelihoods. “From what I have read, there are now more displaced persons because of climate change than because of wars,” he said. “It is truly an emergency situation.”

He noted that in recent months, Church representatives have met with leaders from Pacific island nations confronting the possibility of complete disappearance due to rising sea levels. “We can all imagine what that means for their people and culture,” he said.

Cardinal Parolin highlighted that Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See have consistently underlined the moral dimension of the crisis, building on the foundations laid by Pope Francis through Laudato si’ and Laudate Deum. He said that while the Church does not possess technical or scientific solutions, it has a vital role in shaping awareness and conscience. “Our mission is to promote an ethical response, one that inspires education, formation, and personal responsibility,” he explained.

He also praised the efforts of the Church in Brazil and other parts of the world to increase climate awareness at the grassroots level. Bishops’ conferences, he said, are collaborating across continents, forming what he described as “a true movement” for ecological responsibility and justice.

When asked what concrete outcomes should be expected from COP30, Cardinal Parolin said the focus should not be on new declarations but on fulfilling existing commitments. “We do not need more grand statements,” he said. “What is needed now is the determination to implement what has already been promised, reducing carbon emissions, supporting vulnerable nations, and strengthening resilience.”

He added that multilateral cooperation remains essential, calling climate action “a key opportunity to rebuild trust between nations and revive multilateralism,” which he acknowledged has been in crisis in recent years.

During his visit, Cardinal Parolin also toured several local projects that highlight how faith and environmental care intersect in daily life. In Marituba, he visited a hospital founded by Bishop Aristide Pirovano and a community initiative called Fazenda da Esperança, where children from difficult backgrounds learn about ecology, sustainability, and teamwork.

“I was deeply moved by what I saw,” he said. “These children are growing vegetables, producing biogas from waste, and learning to care for creation. Their enthusiasm shows that change begins with education and with the young.”

He concluded by saying that hope for the future lies in the willingness of people, especially younger generations, to live differently. “It was inspiring to see their sense of responsibility,” he said. “They understand the challenge we face and they are showing us how to respond.”