US Bishops voice concern over fires in Amazon

Cardinal DiNardo

Source: USCCB

The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Bishop Frank J Dewane, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Archbishop Timothy P Broglio, Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace have issued the following statement todayregarding the fires in the Amazon:

"Last Sunday, after his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expressed concern for the fires that have developed in the Amazon, stating, 'Let us pray that, with everyone's commitment, they may be tamed as soon as possible.' As bishops of the United States, we join in these heartfelt prayers and urge the faithful of our nation to support, through their petitions and concern, these efforts.

As our Church begins a 'Season of Creation' culminating on October 4th, the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, let us all consider spiritual and corporal acts of mercy towards our common home and all those living in it.

We express solidarity with our brother bishops in Latin America who, through the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM), have expressed their desire for a prompt extinguishment of these fires, and welcome the decision by the Group of Seven (G7) to extend financial support for these efforts."