Home News Cardinal Bo calls for ecological conversion and justice in Global South

Cardinal Bo calls for ecological conversion and justice in Global South

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences urged the global community to embrace ecological conversion and address the environmental injustices faced by the Global South.

“These regions [in the Global South], rich in natural beauty and biodiversity, are also home to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, who suffer greatly from ecological degradation,” he said.

During his homily at a Mass attended by representatives from the Catholic Church across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Cardinal Bo highlighted the life of St. Rose of Lima as a model of living in harmony with nature. 



“Her humble garden was not just a place of sustenance but a sacred space where she cultivated herbs to heal the sick and feed the hungry,” the prelate said. 

He emphasized the relevance of her example in today’s context, where regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, rich in biodiversity yet burdened by environmental degradation, are suffering the most from the impacts of climate change.

“Her reverence for nature reflects a deep understanding that all creation is a gift from God, to be cherished and protected,” said Cardinal Bo. 

Cardinal Bo connected St. Paul’s message about the wisdom of God versus the wisdom of the world to the environmental crises facing the Global South. 

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He criticized the historical exploitation of these regions by colonial powers, which left lasting scars on both the people and the environment. 

“Colonialism, particularly by Western powers, had profound and lasting effects on the Global South, including significant impacts on biodiversity and global warming. What was supposed to be a “civilizing effort” ended up as a disaster for the Global South,” he said. 

Cardinal Bo described the Global South as wearing a “metaphorical crown of thorns,” enduring the consequences of climate change largely caused by the industrialized Global North. 

“The wealth and development of many nations in the Global North were built on the backs of these colonized lands, whose people were left impoverished and whose environments were ravaged,” he said. 

The prelate said the world’s environmental challenges, particularly in the Global South, “are stark and urgent,” adding that in regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America, “communities are grappling with deforestation, pollution, and the catastrophic impacts of climate change.”

Cardinal Bo echoed Pope Francis’ call for “green evangelization,” encouraging the faithful to spread the Gospel through actions that promote environmental stewardship and justice. 

The prelate reminded the human family that “there is no tomorrow for the climate crisis,” adding that ”great catastrophic events are occurring all over the world, mostly affecting the poor of the Global South.”

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