Pope: No To Wars, Fight Climate Change

The centerpiece of the first day of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an international event held in New York on September 18 and 19, was a remote address by Pope Francis, who spoke about the most pressing challenges of our time.

The Holy Father once again made a strong appeal for world peace, “The time has come to change the world, change the brotherhood. The time has come to stop the weapons. The time has come to return to dialogue, to diplomacy. The time has come to stop the plans of conquest and military aggression. This is why I repeat: no to war. No to war.”

Then the pontiff turned to the topic of the “environmental catastrophe,” which is also insisted on by the American initiative of CGI founder Bill Clinton. “The time has come to work together” to stop this, Pope Francis said, repeating more than once, “Before it’s too late.” Recalling his encyclical Laudato Si’, he pleaded, “Let’s stop while we still have time, please!”

The plenary session featuring Pope Francis was part of a discussion on topics ranging from sustainable agriculture and inclusive economics to equitable health care, fighting climate change, and ocean conservation.

The Clinton Global Initiative convention was attended by many prominent representatives of political institutions, scientists, journalists, activists, entrepreneurs, and international donors. They gathered in New York prior to the 78th session of the UN General Assembly to present evidence and best practices aimed at raising awareness of global public opinion around the event’s overall theme: “How to move forward despite the current challenges in order to build a stronger future for everyone.”