Pope Highlights the Need to Protect the Environment

The Vatican Information Service reports at the end of today's general audience, Benedict XVI turned his attention to an international symposium on the defense of the Arctic, which begins tomorrow on the west coast of Greenland under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The theme of the meeting is "The Arctic: Mirror of Life."

Speaking English, the Pope said, "Care of water resources and attention to climate change are matters of grave importance for the entire human family. Encouraged by the growing recognition of the need to preserve the environment, I invite all of you to join me in praying and working for greater respect for the wonders of God's creation."

Report courtesy of Vatican Information Service.