The refusal of politicians to take action to protect the planet is “stupid” and is something that history will judge, Pope Francis said on the plane, returning from Colombia, writes Christopher Lamb. Speaking during an inflight press conference on his way back to Rome, Francis criticised those who deny climate change.
“There’s a phrase in the Old Testament, I think in one of the psalms, where it says man is stupid; he’s stubborn and does not see,” the Pope said in answer to a question about why some governments act quickly on matters concerning arms but not on the environment. An attachment to money, the Pope explained, “has effects on creation, and also on so many other questions, like that of arms. There are many contradictions linked to money.” He said anyone with doubts about climate change should consult scientists. “They are most clear,” he said. “Theirs is not an airy-fairy opinion. Then let the person decide, and history will judge.”
Francis’ remarks came at the end of a five-day visit, during which he encouraged Colombia to stick to an agreement that has ended 52 years of civil war. He called also on bishops to ensure the Church had an “amazonian face” and to protect the country’s “remarkable biodiversity”.
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