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Pope Francis lauds Obama’s efforts on climate change

by PH September 24, 2015, 10:58 am

President Barack Obama greets Pope Francis as he arrives at the White House. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP)

Washington – Pope Francis applauds US President Barack Obama’s efforts to reduce “air pollution” – a reference to greenhouse gasses blamed for global warming – during brief remarks to 15 000 people at the White House.

Obama speaks first, earning applause when he says that the excitement around Francis’ visit to the US is attributed “not only to your role as pope, but to your unique qualities as a person”.

Francis says that it is a “critical moment of history” for the Earth. “Climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation,” he says.

Without mentioning Cuba, Francis also notes Obama’s efforts “to mend broken relationships and to open new doors”.