(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences on Tuesday hosted a workshop at the Vatican called Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity.
The meeting included the participation of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and the Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
One of the organizers of the event was Member of the Pontifical Academy of Science and climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan of the University of California at San Diego.
Listen to the full interview with Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan:
“We have not taken any action on climate change in spite of overwhelming science,” he told Vatican Radio.
“The issue has become…a huge moral and ethical issue,” Dr. Ramanathan continued. “This involves the type of planet we are leaving behind for future generations.
“The other important moral dimension is that most of the emission of this global-warming pollutants is coming from the wealthy one billion, but the worst consequences of that will be experienced by the poorest three billion,” he added.
Dr. Ramanathan said religious leaders have to become part of the debate, because they represent the voice of morality.
“Once it has become a moral issue, scientists like me have no authority to speak about it, then I think of this whole climate change problem has gone into the domains of religion, and the Catholic Church, I feel, is one of the most powerful supporters of protecting the earth and being good stewards of the planet,” he said.
The scientist said he was also pleased with the involvement of both Pontifical Academies, because it brought together natural scientists with social scientists to tackle all sides of the issue.
“To my mind, it is the first time there is a meeting being held between science, policy, and religion, so it is a historic meeting,” he said.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) In response to the devastating earthquake in Nepal on Saturday 25th April, the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, following the Pope’s assurance for assistance on Sunday, has distributed $100,000 as an immediate initial aid contribution to assist the Nepalese people as they face the current crisis.
At present at 4,300 people have died, while an additional 7 million people have been affected by the earthquake. At present the government estimates that around 400,000 buildings have also been destroyed by the earthquake. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in Asia with an estimated population of 27 to 28 million.
Cor Unum is a Pontifical Council, tasked by the Holy See to coordinate and organise humanitarian aid in the face of natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Below is a translation of the communiqué issued by Cor Unum:
Aid to the people of Nepal affected by the Earthquake. Communiqué from Cor Unum in the name of the Pope (28 April 2015)
Following the earthquake that at the end of last week, which affected with extraordinary vehemence the area of Nepal, the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, has decided to send an initial contribution of $100,000 to assist the local population.
This sum, which was assured by Pope Francis during his Regina Coeli address on Sunday April 26th, will be sent to the local Church and will be used to support the works carried out to assist displaced persons and earthquake victims, and is to be a first and immediate concrete expression of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement for the people and the affected areas. Episcopal conferences and Catholic charitable organisations are already extensively involved in the assistance effort.
According to available information at the moment, but not yet definitive, the deceased victims, some of whom are registered in neighbouring countries, would be over 4,300, with an additional 7 million people affected in 34 districts in the country of Nepal, 1 million are homeless, 2 million would be children who are in need of aid. Various areas have been isolated and relief has not yet been able to reach them. In addition to this, the government has estimated that around 400,000 buildings have been destroyed.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said the industrialized world needs to take the lead in tackling carbon emissions, and not try to force poorer countries to “stay where they are.” The Cardinal was speaking on Tuesday on the sidelines of a workshop on climate change being held at the Vatican. Listen…
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(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences on Tuesday hosted a workshop at the Vatican called Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity. The meeting included the participation of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and the Italian President Sergio Mattarella. One of the organizers of the event was Member of the Pontifical Academy of…
Read more
(Vatican Radio) In response to the devastating earthquake in Nepal on Saturday 25th April, the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, following the Pope’s assurance for assistance on Sunday, has distributed $100,000 as an immediate initial aid contribution to assist the Nepalese people as they face the current crisis. At present at 4,300 people have died, while…
Read more