Prayer for the World November 19, 2025

Ecological Crisis, a Threat to Peace

Introduction

The UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, COP30 (Conference of Parties), is taking place from November 10-21, 2025. 

More than 50,000 people have registered to attend this year’s COP in Belem, including journalists, climate scientists, Indigenous leaders and representatives from 195 countries.  The Conference will have no representation from Washington.  President Trump cited the economic burden of climate initiatives on the US.

Song:  We Are Here by Sharon Burch of Navajo and German Origin

https://youtu.be/h4_xrV6iB-s?si=ZmklN6PAwN4mD4jK

Mother Earth says, “Now take good care of me.  Please do not hurt me.”

And Father Sky says, “Now take good care of me.  Please do not hurt me.”

And all living creatures say, “Take good care of us. Please do not hurt us.”

And we are here to be ourselves, To be with one another

         To be with our surroundings, To be, to be.

And we are there to take care of ourselves, To take care of one another,

To take care of our surroundings, To take care, to care.

And we are here to love ourselves, To love one another,

To love our surroundings, To love, to love, to love…

Material for Reflection from Pope Leo XIV’s words to the Conference

If you want to cultivate peace, care for creation.  As the international community rightly focuses on resolving war and conflict, countries must recognize that peace is also threatened by climate change and environmental destruction:        

a lack of due respect for creation;

the plundering of natural resources;

         a progressive decline in the quality of life because of climate change.

Pope Leo asked the global leaders gathered in Brazil to work together to achieve a concrete plan that puts the sacredness of life, the God-given dignity of every human being, and the common good at its center.  Regrettably we observe political approaches and human behaviors that go in the opposite direction, characterized by collective selfishness, disregard for others and short sightedness. 

In the midst of a world that is in flames, as a result of both global warming and armed conflicts this conference should become a sign of hope, through the respect shown to the views of others in the joint endeavor to search for common language and consensus, while putting aside selfish interests, bearing in mind the responsibility for one another and for future generations.  (Pope Leo)

Silent Prayer

Catholic Climate Covenant

A recent webinar by Catholic Climate Covenant, focused on climate change as a primary driver of migration and often unbridled violence.  Bishop Tyson of the Diocese of Yakima, Washington shared stories of several of their seminarians from what is known as the “dry corridor,” i.e., Honduras and Guatamala.  Drought and the subsequent collapse of crops gives rise to civil unrest and violence.  People then move to the cities where they are victims of violence, gangs and kidnapping.   Bishop Tyson urged us to become more conscious of climate change as the driver of migration.

Intercessions

For the Global Leaders gathered in Brazil to address the ongoing danger of Climate Change to Earth and her habitants, especially the most vulnerable, we pray:

For our Country that we may become more conscious of our contribution to global warming and take appropriate action to reduce the use of fossil fuel in heating, travel and industry, we pray:

For those driven from their homes and countries, because of the climate crisis, especially drought, we pray:

Quiet Prayer

Song