Archbishop Charles Scicluna echoed Pope Francis’s words in insisting that defending nature is part of Christian formation. Photo: Chris Sant FournierArchbishop Charles Scicluna echoed Pope Francis’s words in insisting that defending nature is part of Christian formation. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment encourages Christians to be responsible, to promote sustainability and not to be scared “of the price you pay when you speak up”, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said yesterday.

In a clear reference to the recent clamour on social media for his resignation after he expressed himself against the development of a university on pristine land in Marsascala, Mgr Scicluna said the Pope in Laudato Si encouraged people to react strongly when it comes to environmental issues.

“The Pope said that we are too weak in our reactions, everyone is scared to talk – but defending nature is part of Christian formation,” Mgr Scicluna said.

The Archbishop delivered his loaded speech at the Seminary in Rabat, during the launch of the Maltese translation of Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change published by the Vatican a week ago.

The event was attended by a few hundred people among them Environment Minister Leo Brincat, Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon as well as MP Ryan Callus and PN councillor Charlot Cassar from the Opposition camp. Among the audience there were also representatives of parishes, environmental NGOs and the clergy.

What Pope Francis says is similar to the socialist doctrine, that the land has to be used for the common good

Looking in the direction of the government representatives sitting in the front row, Mgr Scicluna said the Pope urged politicians “to see beyond their noses” and “beyond electoral successes”.

“Land essentially belongs to us all… What Pope Francis says is similar to the socialist doctrine, that the land has to be used for the common good,” he said.

He highlighted that part in the document where the Pope refers to the importance of being clear when presenting a study on the impact of an environmental project.

Raising his tone a notch, he said: “The Pope says that the worst thing is when such studies are paid for by favours, or are the result of corruption or some sort of odd agreement.”

While going over a short synopsis of the encyclical, Mgr Scicluna urged Christians to apply moral principles when it came to environmental issues.

“If we don’t leave any natural garigue, where we can find the natural biodiversity, we will be denying our children the right to their heritage,” he said, stressing the rights of future generations.

The Pope, he said, was urging all Christians to have a sound relationship not just with God and with fellow humans but also with the environment. After reading out the prayer at the end of the encyclical, Mgr Scicluna said he promised the Maltese State encouragement as well as “criticism with a sense of loyalty”.

“We ask our politicians so that together we can ensure a sustainable life. For this to happen there need to be a lot of wise decisions … let us work together as brothers and sisters,” he said, adding that we all needed to work together in a spirit of reconciliation and honesty.

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