The recent report from National Catholic Reporter highlights a striking and unified appeal from Catholic bishops across Africa, Asia, and Latin America: the call for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels. Rooted in the lived experience of communities already facing the harshest impacts of climate change, their message frames the transition away from coal, oil and gas not simply as a technical or political challenge, but as a profound moral imperative.
The article traces how this “Manifesto of the Churches of the Global South” links environmental degradation with poverty, conflict and global inequality, echoing the vision of Laudato Si’
Laudato Si’ is an encyclical written by Pope Francis and published in May 2015. Its title, translated from Italian, means “Praise be to You,” a reference to St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures. This encyclical focuses on the care of the environment, addressing the ecological crisis and calling for action to combat climate change, environmental degradation, and social injustices. Pope Francis emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation and critiques consumerism, irresponsible development, and the disregard for nature. It is one of the most influential religious documents on environmental ethics.
• Read Laudato Si’ »
• Find out about the Laudato Si’ Movement »
and subsequent Church teaching. It outlines the bishops’ support for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a proposed international treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuel production to mitigate climate change. The initiative calls for a global agreement similar to treaties on nuclear weapons, with three main goals: ending the expansion of fossil fuel production, facilitating a fair transition away from existing fossil fuel use, and ensuring support for workers and communities impacted by the transition. The idea is to prevent further environmental harm by stopping new fossil fuel projects and transitioning towards clean energy sources in an equitable and just manner.
• Read about the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative »
More, their insistence on a just transition that protects vulnerable communities, and the broader implications for international cooperation and peace.
At the same time, the piece notes that this call is entering a wider debate—one that includes differing economic perspectives on energy, development, and the path out of poverty. Together, these elements make the article an important contribution to ongoing global conversations as the Church, and the world, prepare for the next phase of climate action.
Manifesto here: