Rome, 3 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) – Pope Francis called on Sunday for world leaders to act jointly to counter climate change in an address to the religious pavilion set up at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference.

"As religious representatives, let us set an example to show that change is possible and bear witness to respectful and sustainable lifestyles. With a loud voice, let us implore leaders of nations that our common home be preserved," Francis said in a video message.

The pope was unable to travel to Dubai as a result of illness.

"It is important that religions, without falling into the trap of syncretism, set a good example by working together: not for their own interests or those of one party, but for the interests of our world," Francis said.

The most important today were peace and the climate, he said.

"In particular, young people and the poor, whose prayers reach the throne of the Most High, ask this of us. For their future and the future of all, let us safeguard creation and protect our common home; let us live in peace and promote peace!" he concluded.

Photo: Vatican News screenshot