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Dear friends, Leaving COP 28 filled with excitement, I witnessed the collective efforts of people of faith overcoming hurdles to expedite a just transition away from fossil fuels. While Pope Francis couldn't personally attend COP 28, his powerful message in Laudate Deum, released just before the gathering, resonated as a heartfelt plea for a swift departure from fossil fuels. Cardinal Parolin, representing the Holy See, further engaged with leaders from Colombia and Pacific nations, uniting in a call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty during COP 28. A meeting that brought much hope for the treaty. A historic milestone unfolded at COP 28, marking the first time in over 30 years of COPs that the need for a transition away from fossil fuels was acknowledged. This acknowledgement, absent even in the Paris Agreement, places nations under the spotlight, urging them to demonstrate accountability and concrete plans for this critical shift. Pope Francis, relentless in his pursuit, in his first address to the diplomatic community in 2024, underlined the prevalence of global conflicts and care of our common home as the two interconnected challenges of our time. He emphasised the need for an acceleration in the transition from fossil fuels as a pillar in our shared responsibility for caring for our planet already ravaged by the climate crisis and conflicts. Furthermore, in a heartening meeting between President Gustavo Petro of Colombia and Pope Francis at the Vatican earlier this year, President Petro reiterated his country’s commitment to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, choosing environmental stewardship over economic interests. He urged the Vatican to rally more support for the Treaty; the Vatican can indeed be the uniting moral voice to garner world leaders to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. People of faith worldwide are taking decisive action. September 21, during the 2024 Season of Creation, has been declared a global day of action to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This symbolises our unwavering commitment to accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, uniting in hope for a fossil fuel phase-out and a clean energy future. Let us stand together, inspired by faith, fueled by hope, and committed to being stewards of our common home by accelerating a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels through the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Dr Lindlyn Moma Director of Advocacy Laudato Si’ Movement
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