The pope said that the nations of the world have a duty to fight against climate change, adding that despite a weak response so far, a “window of opportunity is still open.”

In all three countries, Pope Francis pleaded for protection of the environment. Mining by foreign companies to extract precious minerals has been a major problem in Madagascar and Mozambique. In Madagascar, deforestation is especially a threat.

Climate strikes led primarily by young people are happening around the world. How are Jesuit schools engaging with this issue?

The upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Amazon will challenge Canada regarding its own relationship with indigenous peoples and the environment.

On his first day in Madagascar, Pope Francis issued a strong call to the governmental authorities of this island of 27 million people to fight “with determination” against “endemic forms of corruption and speculation,” to “confront” the situations that “create conditions of inhumane poverty,” and to protect the environment against damage to nature and the people.

Pope Francis said that the forthcoming United Nations Climate Action Summit “is of particular importance.”