Pope Francis Urges All People to Protect the Earth
Pope Francis commemorated Earth Day with a speech of environmental stewardship Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
On this 45th anniversary of Earth Day, the Pope’s remarks bring the message of the environmental movement to billions of people around the world. Over one billion people of all faiths observe Earth Day.
In attendance was Earth Day Network (EDN) president Kathleen Rogers. Following the Pope’s address he met with Kathleen Rogers along with Earth Day Italy and a small group of other leaders.
Pope Francis referenced Earth Day as a critical moment to reflect on the spiritual and moral imperative of all people to care for the Earth and all its creatures, today and for future generations stating, “The Earth is our environment to protect and the garden to tend to.”
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The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement.
Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network (EDN), the world’s leading recruiter to the environmental movement, works with partners in 192 countries to build environmental democracy and to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement.
More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.
Photo courtesy: Vetican Network
