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[h=4]Pope issues urgent appeal to fight climate change[/h]Pope Francis on Thursday threw the weight of the Catholic Church behind a new appeal to combat climate change, saying the future of humanity is at stake and dismissing those who deny the planet is getting warmer.
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Shannon Green and Gregg Zoroya discuss the encyclical from Pope Francis to be issued by the Vatican on Thursday, June 18, and the excitement it engenders among climate scientists. USA TODAY
Pope Francis greets the faithful and tourists during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, in Rome on June 17, 2015.(Photo: EPA)
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Thursday threw the weight of the Catholic Church behind a new appeal to combat climate change, saying the future of humanity is at stake and dismissing those who deny the planet is getting warmer.
Francis unequivocally lined the Catholic Church up on the side of the environment with the release of church doctrine that condemned polluters and governments alike for failing to do enough to address the problem.
In the first encyclical written entirely under his papacy, Francis said humans have a moral obligation to protect the environment and that doing so is a key part of the challenge of lifting the world's least fortunate from poverty.
He said the poor stand to suffer the most from extreme weather events that are already regularly wreaking havoc across the planet.
USA TODAY
Excerpts: With stern, poetic phrases, a pope lectures the world about ecology
USA TODAY
Church aims to capitalize on momentum of pope's climate decree
"We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all," he said.
"Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest," he said.
The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 18, 2015
An encyclical is a papal letter addressed to bishops of the Catholic Church, but whose intended audience is the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
The encyclical released Thursday is a sprawling 183-page document that covers topics ranging from the risks of poor environmental stewardship to specific prayers for "our earth" and "in union with creation."
It was published in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Polish and Latin.
The document does allow that there is dissent on whether climate and the environment should be a priority, but it is mostly dismissive of views that inaction is a viable option.
"At one extreme (among dissenters) we find those who doggedly uphold the myth of progress and tell us that ecological problems will solve themselves simply with the application of new technology and without any need for ethical considerations or deep change," the encyclical says.
"At the other extreme are those who view men and women and all their interventions as no more than a threat, jeopardizing the global ecosystem, and consequently the presence of human beings on the planet should be reduced and all forms of intervention prohibited," it says.
The "Laudato Sii" encyclical — which translates as "Praised Be," a reference to a prayer from the pope's namesake, St. Francis, seen by Catholics as the patron saint of ecology — is the most controversial since Pope Paul VI's 1968 "Humanae Vitae" (On Human Life) letter establishing the church's ban on contraception.
Four months into his papacy in 2013, Francis released the "Lumen Fidei" (The Light of Faith) encyclical, but that was mostly written by his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
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What happens when Catholics disagree with the pope, as is happening now ahead of his statement on climate change?
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The encyclical on climate and the environment differs from most of the 298 previous papal encyclicals not only because it is related to a scientific topic and controversial, but because of its accessibility.
Leading up to the release of the "Laudato Sii" Vatican officials warned not to expect a detailed analysis of the climate change debate but rather the pontiff's reflection on mankind's moral responsibility to act as custodians of the environment.
Even so, there is plenty of detail that illustrates the pope's grasp of the complex issues the encyclical addresses.
For example, the document addresses the concept of "the technocratic paradigm" — a reference to the need for technology to play a role in finding solutions for environmental problems but the tendency to place too much hope on future technological innovations to solve those problems.
Francis applauds the work of environmental groups and says that countries that are "more powerful and pollute the most" — industrialized countries such as the United States — should take the lead in reducing greenhouse gases with "honesty, courage and responsibility."
The encyclical closes with two prayers.
In the first one, a "A prayer for our earth," Francis implores that we "Bring healing to our lives / that we may protect the world and not prey on it / that we may sow beauty / not pollution and destruction."
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDWhat happens when political leaders disagree with the Pope? | 01:54What happens when Catholics disagree with the pope, as is happening now ahead of his statement on climate change?
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope climate encyclical has scientists hopeful | 02:27Shannon Green and Gregg Zoroya discuss the encyclical from Pope Francis to be issued by the Vatican on Thursday, June 18, and the excitement it engenders among climate scientists. USA TODAY
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDVatican to join climate change debate | 01:47Pope Francis' first encyclical, or teaching letter, is expected to focus on climate change and humanity's moral obligation to protect the environment.
Video provided by Newsy Newslook
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis to Putin: Make 'sincere' effort for peace | 01:11Pope Francis called on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to make a "sincere and great effort to achieve peace" in Ukraine where Russian-backed separatists continue to battle government troops.
The United States had urged the pontiff to Wochit
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope makes plea for peace in Bosnia | 01:32Pope Francis urged Bosnia's Muslims, Orthodox and Catholics to put the "barbarity" of war behind them and work together for a peaceful future during his one-day visit to Sarajevo on Saturday. (June 6) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDBosnian catholics await Pope's visit with great hope | 01:07Bosnian Catholics are waiting for the visit of Pope Francis in Sarajevo on June 6, hoping the event will give them strength and courage after the war.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope canonizes nuns from 19th century Palestine | 00:51Pope Francis canonized four nuns on Sunday, including two from what was 19th century Palestine, in the hope of encouraging Christians across the Middle East who are facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists. (May 17) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Raul Castro meets Pope Francis | 01:35Pope Francis warmly greeted Cuban President Raul Castro at the Vatican on Sunday. Francis played a key role in the breakthrough between Washington and Havana aimed at restoring diplomatic ties between the Cuba and the United States. (May 10) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDItalian police arrest 18 in Al-Qaeda-Linked terror group | 01:28On Friday, Italian state police arrested 18 suspected extremists in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror cell based out of the Italian island of Sardinia.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDVatican's opinion on climate change is getting political | 01:43The Vatican is calling for more awareness of climate change's effect on the world's poor.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDVietnamese community ready for Pope's US visit | 01:32Members of the Vietnamese Catholic community in Philadelphia are among the faithful getting ready to welcome Pope Francis. The crowd that will hear the papal Mass in September will look different than the one that greeted Pope John Paul II. (April 2 AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis' Easter Mass addresses violence, nuclear deal | 01:52Pope Francis prayed for the end of violence and praised the recent nuclear deal with Iran.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis calls for peace in Easter message | 01:24In an Easter peace wish, Pope Francis expressed deep worry about bloodshed in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa while praising the framework nuclear agreement with Iran as an opportunity to make the world safer. (April 5) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope leads Good Friday service | 01:30Pope Francis presided over a Good Friday service at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. (April 3) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope asks pilgrims to pray for Egyptian christians beheaded in Libya | 00:49Pope Francis asks faithful to pray for beheaded Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya and for the international community to find peaceful solutions to the conflict-ravaged country. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
Video provided by Reuters Newslook
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDSaint John Paul II cast as poster-boy for Polish unity | 01:13A decade after his death, John Paul II remains a cult figure in his native Poland. Now, dozens of controversial posters have gone up all over the country, showing the canonised pope sporting a suit and tie urging "togetherness". Newslook
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPizza maker hand delivers special pie to Pope Francis | 01:09Pope Francis accepted a gift of pizza as his motorcade passed through Naples, Italy. Enzo Cacialli from Pizzeria Don Ernesto made a special papal pie and hand delivered it to the pontiff himself. Mara Montalbano (@maramontalbano) has the story. Buzz60
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope washes feet of inmates ahead of Easter | 01:08Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 inmates and a baby at Rome's main prison on Thursday in a pre-Easter ritual meant to show his willingness to serve. (April 2) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis leads mass for new cardinals | 01:05Pope Francis holds mass for new cardinals, telling them to serve the marginalized and urging them not to become a closed caste. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDSpanking your kids is OK by pope | 01:31Pope Francis took a stand on another controversial issue, saying spanking is OK ... with some conditions. Opponents of corporal punishment say the comments are disappointing. VPC
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDBoehner: Pope to address Congress | 00:24House Speaker John Boehner announced Thursday that Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress in September, making him the first Pope to do so. (Feb. 5) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope's Manila mass draws record crowd of 6-7 million | 02:11Pope Francis celebrates mass with millions of Filipinos, telling them to "welcome, cherish and protect our young people." Nathan Frandino reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis: Don't insult the faith of others | 00:48Pope Francis, speaking about the recent terror attacks in France, defended free speech but said there are limits and people should not make fun of other people's faith.
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope says "I am here" to Haiyan survivors | 01:46Pope Francis comforts survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban, where thousands are gathered despite bad weather. Michaela Cabrera reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis meets other religious leaders | 00:45Pope Francis meets leaders from other religions, such as Buddhism, during his visit to Manila. Rough cut (no reporter narration).
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope urges Sri Lanka religious leaders to work together | 01:04Pope Francis calls on Sri Lanka's religious leaders to work together for post-war reconciliation on the island, where bitter ethnic and religious divisions persist.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDNew Jersey girl with cancer meets Pope Francis | 02:21Gracie West, 11, Freehold Township who is battling stage 4 neuroblastoma. The Make-a-Wish Foundation granted Gracie's wish to meet Pope Francis. IPHONE VIDEO BY GINA COLUMBUS
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope welcomed in Philippines, kisses babies | 00:46Filipinos welcome Pope Francis who stops to greet people and kiss babies at his welcoming ceremony. Rough cut (no reporter narration).
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope greets faithful in eastern Philippines | 01:53Pope Francis travelled to the far eastern Philippines on Saturday to comfort survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, then cut his own trip short because of another approaching storm. (Jan. 17) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope travels to remote church in restive north Sri Lanka | 00:43Pope Francis traveled to a remote jungle church in northern Sri Lanka where hundreds of thousands of people from across the ethnic and religious divide flocked to receive his blessing.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope tells Philippines leaders to end corruption | 01:09Pope Francis urges the Philippine government to end corruption as activists rally to draw attention to poverty in their country. Yiming Woo reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope: "we are happy" with new Cuba relations | 00:44Pope Francis says he is happy that relations between Cuba and the United States are improving, one day after the Vatican confirmed it had facilitated talks between the two countries. Vanessa Johnston reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope Francis celebrates 77th birthday | 01:32Pope Francis celebrated his 77th birthday at the Vatican in 2013. AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis conducts Christmas Eve mass | 00:42Pope Francis celebrates mass in St. Peter's Basilica saying only unassuming people are able to see God's light, not those who are proud and arrogant. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDFlash mob does the tango for the Pope | 01:55Couples celebrated Pope Francis's birthday with a mass Tango dance in Saint Peter's square. (Dec. 17)
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis leads prayer to end isolation, stigma of autism | 01:19Pope Francis prays for all healthcare workers and patients, and calls to break down the isolation and stigma often associated with autism. Jillian Kitchener reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope: big Bang not in contrast with "creative intervention of God" | 00:55Pope Francis tells an audience that the Big Bang does not contradict the "creative intervention of God". He says, "on the contrary, it requires it". Rough Cut (no reporter narration). Newslook
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope Francis announces U.S. visit in 2015 | 01:29Pope Francis announced in Rome Monday that he’s officially visiting the U.S. in September of next year for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. (USA NEWS, USA TODAY)
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope on missing Mexican students: "we know it was a murder" | 01:19Pope Francis has spoken of the "dramatic reality" of drug trafficking and offered his thoughts and closeness to the families of the missing Mexican students. Rough Cut (no reporter narration)
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope marks All Saints Day with cemetery visit | 01:07Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Rome's main cemetery on the solemnity of All Saints Day and on the eve of the day when Catholics all over the world remember the dead.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDChurch should not fear change, pope says at close of Bishop's gathering | 01:25Pope Francis closes an assembly of Catholic bishops that revealed deep divisions on how to respond to homosexuality and divorce, saying the Church should not be afraid of change and new challenges. Mana Rabiee reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope gets 2 sidekicks for popemobile ride | 01:06Pope Francis on Wednesday invited two Italian youngsters from his weekly audience at the Vatican to hitch a ride with him in the popemobile. The boys gleefully hugged each other, punching their hands in the air as they rode through the crowds. (Oct. AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope picks surprising ride for SKorea trip | 00:42Pope Francis has surprised many in South Korea with his humble choice of wheels for his five-day visit. After his arrival Thursday, the pope left the airport in a compact black Kia Soul. (Aug. 14) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDMedieval St. Francis manuscripts coming to NY | 01:21A collection of 13th and 14th century manuscripts about the life of St. Francis of Assisi will go on display at the United Nations next week, the first time the documents have been seen outside of Italy. (Nov. 13) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope urges Muslims to condemn extremism | 01:35Amid heightened security, Pope Francis called for moderate Muslims and religious leaders to condemn Islamic extremists who "pervert" religion to justify violence, as he visited Albania and called it a model for interfaith harmony. (Sept. 21) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDBishops say gays have gifts to offer church | 01:32In an unprecedented shift, Catholic Bishops meeting at the Vatican on family issues say gays should be accepted and that there are 'positive aspects' to a couple living together without being married. (Oct. 13) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope prays for AP journalist and translator | 00:53Pope Francis on Wednesday said a prayer for an Associated Press video journalist and his translator who were killed earlier in the day when leftover ordnance believed to have been dropped in an Israeli airstrike blew up in the Gaza Strip. (Aug. 14) AP
POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDPope marries couples who have cohabited, had children | 01:00Pope Francis marries 20 Roman Catholic couples of different ages and backgrounds in a traditional ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica. Gavino Garay reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDTwo popes attend gathering for elderly at Vatican | 01:21Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of the elderly in society during an event in St. Peter's Square, with 87-year-old former Pope Benedict attending. Vanessa Johnston reports.
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POPE FRANCIS AROUND THE WORLDRaw: Pope holds open air mass for Asian youth | 01:31Pope Francis was welcomed by thousands of young catholics as he arrived on Sunday in a 15th century fortress in Haemi, about 60 miles southwest of Seoul. (Aug. 17) AP
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