Pope Francis on September 28 condemned the “arrogant indifference” of powerful leaders who put economic interests ahead of efforts to save the planet, saying fighting climate change requires a change of heart. Ta.
“As long as pride is given to the market, our common homeland will continue to suffer injustice,” Francis said during an exchange with students at the Catholic University of Leuven.
“Environmental issues have become increasingly urgent due to an arrogant indifference rooted in the minds of those in power, who often prioritize economic interests, according to which complaints are either taken up or silenced. The only arbiter to decide is the financial markets.The Pope spends the entire second day of his visit to Belgium, from September 27th to 29th.
The Pope’s remarks came ahead of a visit by the pope to celebrate the university’s 600th anniversary, with university professors who regularly meet to study Francis’ landmark 2015 environmental encyclical Laudato Si’. It was issued in response to a letter written by researchers.
In his speech, the Pope said that at the heart of the Catholic Church’s “ecological program” is the idea that people must steward the earth for future generations.
“The beauty of the gift of creation calls upon us a great responsibility, because we are not tyrants but guests,” said the namesake of the 13th-century saint Francis, known for his care for creation. Ta.
Francis’ visit to Belgium got off to a rocky start on September 27, with the king and prime minister harshly criticizing the church’s handling of clergy abuse scandals, and the president of the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) challenging the pope. Ta. About issues related to women and LGBTQ people. The second day here was mainly devoted to spotlighting the Church’s social teachings, particularly its work on immigration, combating climate change, and serving the poor.
The Pope himself led by example and began the day with a surprise visit to a local diocese in the Belgian capital, providing free breakfast to migrants and homeless people. He also personally met with two refugee families: a Christian family from Syria and a Muslim family from Djibouti, Africa.
During a morning visit to the Parish of Saint-Gilles, the pope sat at a table and shared croissants and coffee with 10 people before heading to the city’s National Basilica of the Sacred Heart to meet with the country’s Catholic leaders.
In a country that was once exclusively Catholic but is rapidly becoming secular due to demographic changes and clergy abuse scandals, the Pope believes that the only way to evangelize is to reach out to especially the most faithful. He said it was about providing people with a true testimony of faith. I need it.
“This current crisis, like all crises, has given us a moment to shock, to question and to change.”
He told the cathedral that priests should not focus solely on “preserving and managing the heritage of the past,” but “be careful to love Jesus Christ and respond to the often implicit demands of the Gospel.” He has to be a pastor who pays.” They walk with God’s holy people. ”
The Pope’s words and visit come at a time when the Church here is under pressure not only to reflect on its past, but also to rethink its future. Mass attendance has plummeted, but more than half of the country’s hospitals are run by Catholics, as are many of the country’s schools and social services agencies.
As they ponder how to move forward in modern society, the Pope reiterated one of his favorite objections: “There is room for everyone in the Church,” and he said, “The Church offers that possibility to everyone.” He left the church with the responsibility to become a church that They know how to see into infinity and beyond. ”
“This is a church that preaches the gospel, lives the joy of the gospel, and practices compassion,” he said.
The Pope was then scheduled to meet privately with Jesuit members on September 28. Before heading to Rome, the Pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass on September 29 in front of an expected crowd of more than 35,000 people, the first papal Mass here in nearly 30 years.
