The Executive Director of C40 Cities, a global coalition of 97 cities working to deliver the urgent action needed to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive, has paid tribute to Pope Francis.
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities said: “Pope Francis was a true global leader whose commitment to climate justice has inspired millions. His Holiness established for a worldwide audience that the climate crisis is not just an environmental challenge but a profound social and ethical issue, exacerbated by greed and short-term profit seeking, disproportionately affecting the world’s most marginalised communities. His leadership highlighted how inequality and the climate crisis are inextricably linked, mobilising community-led climate action.
“From his groundbreaking Laudato si’ encyclical in 2015 to his championing of local communities and urgent call for action in Laudate Deum, Pope Francis consistently reminded world leaders of their responsibility to protect our planet, the vulnerable, and future generations.
“His message resonated strongly with mayors and city leaders who were honoured to meet the Pope on several occasions, most recently at the Vatican climate summit in May 2024.
“Pope Francis’s leadership will continue to inspire us as we work to create a sustainable, fairer world. On behalf of C40 Cities, I extend our deepest condolences and reaffirm our dedication to the urgent climate action he so passionately championed.”