We would like to share an important global initiative promoted by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in collaboration with Ecology and Jesuits in Communication and other organizations.
Inspired by the words of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, the invitation recognizes that we are facing “a complex crisis that is both social and environmental”. This campaign calls us to join together in urgent and collective action for climate justice in preparation for COP30.
What is COP30 and why does it challenge us?
COP30 is the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP30 will be held in Belém do Pará, Brazil, in November 2025.
This conference is a pivotal moment for legislation and international progress in the fight against the climate crisis. It is a critical opportunity to review how much progress has been made since the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aimed to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally at 1.5 degrees.
The COP30 presidency is inviting the international community to unite in a global “mutirão” – an ancient practice of coming together to work on a shared task – against climate change.
Feeling with humanity and the common home.
The reality of global warming is undeniable: 2024 was the warmest year on record, and the severe impacts particularly affect low- and middle-income people.
Our faith invites us to “feel with” humanity and the common home, listening to both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
From the awareness of our filiation, we feel called to participate actively in various networks of care, recognizing interdependence and the need to collaborate with others [GC XIX, Det. 22]. The campaign offers us concrete ways for this solidarity.
In the joint statement made by the convening institutions, they clearly state what they are asking of the countries participating in COP30:
“We, religious Orders and Congregations of the Catholic Church, are called to advocate for Climate Justice – especially for the most vulnerable communities of the Global South – at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held in Belém do Pará, Brazil, in November 2025. Accordingly, responding to the ongoing mechanisms within the UNFCCC, we urge COP30 delegates and governments to:
1. Cancel the debt of poor countries
2. Strengthen the Loss and Damage Fund.
3. Set targets for a just energy transition aimed at reducing CO2 emissions.
4. Establish clear objectives to develop a world food system based on food sovereignty and agroecological practices.
So we invite you to learn more about it and join us by signing the petition and making it known.
Global moment of prayer and reflection
The campaign “Religious Life for Climate Justice: Turning Hope into Action” encourages us to participate and get involved.
In this same vein and to nurture this spirituality and discern how to strengthen our common action, the Religious Sector of the Laudato Si’ Platform for Action joins the USG-UISG JPIC Commission and other organizations to invite us to a global moment of prayer and reflection.
To join this interfaith prayer and global climate action on November 4, 2025, prior to COP30. Click here.
