Pope denounces failure to chart new climate treaty, says safeguarding God’s creation critical

Pope denounces failure to chart new climate treaty

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI has denounced the failure of world leaders to agree to a new climate change treaty by saying world peace depends on the responsible safeguarding of God’s creation.

Benedict issued the admonition in a speech Monday to ambassadors accredited to the Vatican.

The pontiff criticized the “political resistance” to chart a new treaty during last month’s negotiations in Copehnagen and said he hoped upcoming discussions would bear more fruit.

Benedict said the issue is critical for island nations and in places like Africa, where the battle for resources results in wars. He called for a “rechanneling” of agricultural efforts in Afghanistan and Latin America to fight the drug trade.

He said “to cultivate peace, one must protect creation!”