Where Does the Pope Stand on Global Warming?

[NAO]

The National Association of Evangelicals told Dobson and Falwell to pound sand and that "creation care" is an issue.

The RCC seems to be pretty good on scientific issues (that whole Galileo thing was pretty embarrassing for them).

Does anyone know if they have issued any statements on Global Warming or environmentalism?

[kirby]

1. Some info

From 1989:

http://www.acton.org/ppolicy/environment/theology/rcc.html

An Excerpt from the Popes message to his flock:
"16. At the conclusion of this Message, I should like to address directly my brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church, in order to remind them of their serious obligation to care for all creation. The commitment of believers to a healthy environment for everyone stems directly from their belief in God the Creator, from their recognition of the effects of original and personal sin, and from the certainty of having been redeemed by Christ. Respect for life and for the dignity of the human person extends also to the rest of creation, which is called to join man in praising God (cf. Ps 148:96).

In 1979, I proclaimed Saint Francis of Assisi as the heavenly patron of those who promote ecology (cf. Apostolic Letter Inter Sanctos: AAS 71 <1979>, 1509f). He offers Christians an example of genuine and deep respect for the integrity of creation. As a friend of the poor who was loved by God's creatures, Saint Francis invited all of creation—animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon—to give honour and praise to the Lord. The poor man of Assisi gives us striking witness that when we are at peace with God we are better able to devote ourselves to building up that peace with all creation which is inseparable from peace among all peoples."

[TaleWgnDg]

2. If I may interject here. My guess would be that the Pope's

stance on "global warming" would be out "there" on the edge of the flat earth (cough).



.

[greenman3610]

3. US Catholic Bishops on Climate Change

http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/globalclimate.htm
Catholic Bishops message on Climate Change

The dialogue and our response to the challenge of climate change must be rooted in the virtue of prudence. While some uncertainty remains, most experts agree that something significant is happening to the atmosphere. Human behavior and activity are, according to the most recent findings of the international scientific bodies charged with assessing climate change, contributing to a warming of the earth's climate. Although debate continues about the extent and impact of this warming, it could be quite serious (see the sidebar "The Science of Global Climate Change"). Consequently, it seems prudent not only to continue to research and monitor this phenomenon, but to take steps now to mitigate possible negative effects in the future.

(lots more)
I used this for a skeptic who said "anything that Hollywood
likes, I don't like, cuz Hollywood is against what I believe.."