AFRICA/MALAWI - Pope Francis in his encyclical: "We are victims of climate change", says the Archbishop of Blantyre

Thursday, 27 August 2015

Lilongwe (Agenzia Fides) - "As I read and re-read the Pope’s encyclical, I was reminded of the climate change and its related disasters we have just experienced here in Malawi: – the devastating floods, the prolonged dry spell; the erratic rainfall and strong winds", said Mgr. Thomas Msusa, Archbishop of Blantyre, in presenting the encyclical of Pope Francis Laudato sì to the faithful dedicated to the care of creation.
"The Pope’s encyclical calls on us to tackle the climate threat in the name of Justice, Human Dignity and Service to the poor and most vulnerable among us", said Mgr. Msusa.
The Archbishop points out that Pope Francis reminds us that attention to environmental issues is related to the proper use of the resources of the Earth and therefore also to social justice and solidarity.
Mgr. Msusa remarked that because of environmental disasters linked to climate change mentioned before, about 3 million people are at risk of hunger in Malawi (see Fides 18/08/2015).
The Archbishop calls on everyone to properly use the Country's resources, especially water, in order to develop the Country's economy in a harmonious way. "It was God’s plan that He gave us massive fresh water bodies in Malawi. And that we fail to bring the waters we have in Malawi to its rightful utilization is a shame to humanity. Climate smart agriculture systems would not only put food on the nation’s table all year round but also contribute to the re-building of the ecosystem". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 27/08/2015)


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