Pope Francis lamented&nbsp;Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future."

In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. &nbsp;

Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-fold-increase-observed-in-hospitalisation-of-new-yorks-children-amid-omicron-spread-440255">Also read |&nbsp;Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread</a>

January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861.

The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4.

Not only Italy but&nbsp;including&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St.

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future." In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. Also read | Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861. The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4. Not only Italy but including Spain and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis laments Italy's declining birth rate, says it is a 'tragedy'

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. &nbsp;

On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-finally-revolutionary-james-webb-space-telescope-scales-sky-on-christmas-439928" hreflang="en">Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas</a>

Due to a record spike in Covid cases in Italy, only a few thousand people thronged St Peter's Square for Francis' annual ‘Urbi et Orbi' Christmas address. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the occasion, Francis rued ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia. He also lamented an 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pope gave the speech from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-horrific-shark-attack-us-male-surfer-loses-life-in-morro-bay-on-christmas-eve-439882" hreflang="en">In horrific shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve</a>

"We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," pope said. &nbsp;

"Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse," he said. &nbsp;

The speech was delivered hours after a 'Midnight Mass' service was held for around 2,000 people. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world.

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world. Also Read: Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas Due to a record spike in Covid cases in Italy, only a few thousand people thronged St Peter's Square for Francis' annual ‘Urbi et Orbi' Christmas address. On the occasion, Francis rued ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia. He also lamented an 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon. Pope gave the speech from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica. Also Read: In horrific shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve "We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," pope said. "Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse," he said. The speech was delivered hours after a 'Midnight Mass' service was held for around 2,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis prays for COVID-19 pandemic’s end, healthcare for all on Christmas

As more and more reports come out about increasing domestic violence against women in Italy, Pope Francis has raised strong message against it.<o:p></o:p>

Pope Francis made these comments during a programme being broadcasted on Sunday night on Italy’s famous TG5 network. While talking to three women belonging to different backgrounds and who have been victims of domestic violence, the Pope condemned such actions of men.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-an-example-and-role-model-for-religious-harmony-says-dalai-lama-438177">India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama</a></o:p>

"The number of women who are beaten and abused in their homes, even by their husbands, is very, very high," he said. "The problem is that, for me, it is almost satanic because it is taking advantage of a person who cannot defend herself, who can only [try to] block the blows."<o:p></o:p>

Pope made this strong-worded statement after a domestic violence survivor, Giovanna, had asked him a related question. The lady had revealed that she had recently escaped an abusive home and now has four children to care for in these tough times.<o:p></o:p>

Motivating Giovanna and several others like her to live their life in a free and safe world, the Pope said, "I see dignity in you because if you didn’t have dignity, you wouldn’t be here."<o:p></o:p>

This statement comes at a time when just a month ago the local police had released figures about rising domestic violence in Italy, especially during the Covid years — owing to the repeated coronavirus lockdowns.<o:p></o:p>

As per the official figures, there have been nearly 90 episodes of violence against women in Italy on a daily basis, out of which 62 per cent are cases of domestic violence.<o:p></o:p>

He also talked to some other people going through different struggles in their life such as homelessness and living on streets.<o:p></o:p>

As more and more reports come out about increasing domestic violence against women in Italy, Pope Francis has raised strong message against it. Pope Francis made these comments during a programme being broadcasted on Sunday night on Italy’s famous TG5 network.

As more and more reports come out about increasing domestic violence against women in Italy, Pope Francis has raised strong message against it. Pope Francis made these comments during a programme being broadcasted on Sunday night on Italy’s famous TG5 network. While talking to three women belonging to different backgrounds and who have been victims of domestic violence, the Pope condemned such actions of men. Also read | India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama "The number of women who are beaten and abused in their homes, even by their husbands, is very, very high," he said. "The problem is that, for me, it is almost satanic because it is taking advantage of a person who cannot defend herself, who can only [try to] block the blows." Pope made this strong-worded statement after a domestic violence survivor, Giovanna, had asked him a related question. The lady had revealed that she had recently escaped an abusive home and now has four children to care for in these tough times. Motivating Giovanna and several others like her to live their life in a free and safe world, the Pope said, "I see dignity in you because if you didn’t have dignity, you wouldn’t be here." This statement comes at a time when just a month ago the local police had released figures about rising domestic violence in Italy, especially during the Covid years — owing to the repeated coronavirus lockdowns. As per the official figures, there have been nearly 90 episodes of violence against women in Italy on a daily basis, out of which 62 per cent are cases of domestic violence. He also talked to some other people going through different struggles in their life such as homelessness and living on streets.

'Almost satanic': Pope Francis condemns rising violence against women

Pope Francis has compared the EU to a 'Nazi dictatorship' for trying to impose woke rules on language and ban using the word Christmas.

Pope Francis compares EU to 'Nazi Dictatorship', row over Christmas greeting guide

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees.

Pope's first visit in Lesbos was 2016. At that time, he had taken 12 Syrian refugees with him back to Italy.

In his latest visit to Lesbos, Pope met refugees at Mavrovoni camp. The camp holds 2300 people.

He lamented that "little has changed with regard to the issue of migration" since his last visit five years ago.

The Mediterranean, where thousands have died trying to make the crossing from north Africa to Europe, was still "a grim cemetery without tombstones".

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"I am here to see your faces and look into your eyes. Eyes full of fear and expectancy, eyes that have seen violence and poverty, eyes streaked by too many tears," he said at the camp's reception and identification area.

Francis for the second straight day chided those who use the migration crisis for political ends.

"It is easy to stir up public opinion by instilling fear of others," he said, adding that people who are anti-immigrant "fail to speak with equal vehemence" about the exploitation of the poor, wars, and the arms industry.

"The remote causes should be attacked, not the poor people who pay the consequences and are even used for political propaganda," he said.

The camp, set up in a old army firing range, is made up of dozens of prefabricated structures, some similar to shipping containers and other, smaller ones made of plastic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees.

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees. Pope's first visit in Lesbos was 2016. At that time, he had taken 12 Syrian refugees with him back to Italy. In his latest visit to Lesbos, Pope met refugees at Mavrovoni camp. The camp holds 2300 people. He lamented that "little has changed with regard to the issue of migration" since his last visit five years ago. The Mediterranean, where thousands have died trying to make the crossing from north Africa to Europe, was still "a grim cemetery without tombstones". Also Read | For the first time in two decades, Pope Francis flies to Athens for papal visit "I am here to see your faces and look into your eyes. Eyes full of fear and expectancy, eyes that have seen violence and poverty, eyes streaked by too many tears," he said at the camp's reception and identification area. Francis for the second straight day chided those who use the migration crisis for political ends. "It is easy to stir up public opinion by instilling fear of others," he said, adding that people who are anti-immigrant "fail to speak with equal vehemence" about the exploitation of the poor, wars, and the arms industry. "The remote causes should be attacked, not the poor people who pay the consequences and are even used for political propaganda," he said. The camp, set up in a old army firing range, is made up of dozens of prefabricated structures, some similar to shipping containers and other, smaller ones made of plastic. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis visits refugee island, urges against exploitation of migrants for politics

Pope Francis arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, beginning a five-day trip that would also bring him to Greece and its island of Lesbos, where in 2016 he made a defining visit to refugees living in horrid conditions and brought some back to Rome on his plane.

The trip, the 35th abroad for Francis, who turns 85 later this month, reflects his determination to maintain a global focus on the plight of migrants and lands torn by strife, despite the world’s preoccupation this week with the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

His journey will include other hallmarks of the Francis papacy, including encouraging tiny Catholic minorities and reaching out to other religious leaders, this time in the Greek Orthodox Church. He is expected to help relocate to Italy some migrants in Cyprus — and possibly Lesbos again — this time.

“Europe cannot ignore the Mediterranean Sea that hosted the spread of the Gospel and the development of great civilizations,” Francis said in a video message before the trip. He lamented the sea becoming a “great cemetery” and said that in the age of the pandemic and climate change, it was imperative to “sail together, and not to split up by going our separate ways.”

The trip is the third this year for the pope, who is believed to have received a booster shot, though that has not been confirmed. He made a historic pilgrimage to Iraq in March and a politically symbolic trip to Hungary and Slovakia in September during which he appeared to speak out against nationalism.

This trip, which refocuses attention on the priorities of his pontificate, including opening borders and welcoming the destitute, comes as migrants are again facing awful conditions and tragic deaths, including at the Belarus-Poland border and in the English Channel, where at least 27 people died last week. But it also comes at an unpredictable and deeply concerning phase of the pandemic as countries around the world shut their borders to try to protect their populations from a variant whose effects are still very much unknown.

“The recommendation in general is prudence,” Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, said when asked about coronavirus precautions and worries that the new variant would eclipse the main themes of the trip.

Francis is the second pope, after his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, to visit Cyprus, and Thursday he will meet with local Catholic priests and the president and diplomats in Nicosia, the capital. On Friday, he will visit with the Orthodox archbishop and celebrate a holy Mass at an outdoor stadium.

He will end the day with a prayer at a parish church with migrants, and the Vatican has arranged to have about 50 migrants relocated to Italy.

Francis will stay at a Franciscan monastery in Nicosia — the divided capital of Cyprus. The medieval city is separated by a U.N.-protected buffer zone.

He will then spend Saturday reaching out to Orthodox leaders and meeting with officials before travelling on Sunday to Lesbos, which Bruni said had “become a symbolic place.”

Bruni said that the Cyprus visit would allow Francis to underline key themes of his pontificate, as it had over the centuries been “Europe’s outermost border to the Middle East, a laboratory of coexistence and a land of encounter with orthodoxy.”

Still, Cyprus is far from a tranquil place.

With Turkey to the north, Syria to the East, Israel to the South and Greece to the West, Cyprus is a small, stingray-shaped island between worlds and a crossroads for cultures and migrations.

The country has effectively been partitioned since 1974, with its Greek and Turkish communities — and its capital, Nicosia — separated by a buffer zone known as the Green Line.

The internationally recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus controls only the southern two-thirds of it, and the remaining third is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.

Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but the island is still divided along ethnic lines. Unification efforts start and stop periodically, most recently in 2017, but the talks broke down over Turkey’s refusal to remove its troops. They led to Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declaring, “Turkey will be in Cyprus forever,” and rejecting a unified federation.

A recent uptick in migrant arrivals has intensified hard-right, nationalist sentiment and the resistance of the Republic of Cyprus government, which has appealed to the European Union for permission to stop processing asylum requests. But the spike in numbers, and suspicions that Turkey is funnelling the migrants to the border, have deepened the animosity between the north and the south.

Nearly 80% of the island’s population is Orthodox Christian, and about 20% is Sunni Muslim. There is only a tiny population of Catholics, about 38,000, who mostly fall under the jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and who trace their roots to the Crusades. That is less than the estimated number of Turkish troops based in the north.

Rev. Georgios Armand Houry, a Cypriot priest, said that many Catholics were hoping that the pope would help members of the faith “return home” to uninhabited towns after displacement earlier during the conflict.

During Benedict’s 2010 trip, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, accused Turkey of an “obscure plan” to take over the entire island and called for the pope’s “active cooperation” in resolving the long-standing dispute.

The north continues to use the Turkish lira and has an economy closely tied to the Turkish mainland.

In recent years, tensions have risen after the discovery of rich natural gas deposits under the eastern Mediterranean. Greece, with its islands scattered in the area, claims that it has sole drilling rights. The potential for enormous wealth from the deposits has created a profit-sharing unity among surrounding nations, including Greece, Israel, Israel, Egypt, Italy and Jordan.

But Turkey has used northern Cyprus as its toehold, sending drilling ships, accompanied by warships, to explore for gas off Cyprus; that, in turn, has prompted retribution by the European Union against Turkish companies. The prospect of a clash between Greece and Turkey, two NATO allies with centuries of bad blood, has proved worrying.

“It’s a wound that has been open for some time,” Bruni said. “The Holy See undoubtedly supports every effort to strengthen bilateral talks, which are the only solution for the island and its people.” He suggested Francis would indirectly take those issues on, saying that he would touch on environmental themes by speaking of the horrible fires that burned Greece’s forests this summer but also “the exploitation of the seabed.”

Cyprus is an ancient Christian land. Tradition holds that St. Paul arrived here around A.D. 46 to preach the Gospel with Barnabas, a Cypriot and a saint.

Francis, in his video message, said he would come “in the footsteps of the first great missionaries,” and for the chance “to drink from the ancient wellsprings of Europe: Cyprus, the outpost of the Holy Land on the continent; Greece, the home of classical culture.”

Pope Francis arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, beginning a five-day trip that would also bring him to Greece and its island of Lesbos, where in 2016 he made a defining visit to refugees living in horrid conditions and brought some back to Rome on his plane.

Pope Francis arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, beginning a five-day trip that would also bring him to Greece and its island of Lesbos, where in 2016 he made a defining visit to refugees living in horrid conditions and brought some back to Rome on his plane. The trip, the 35th abroad for Francis, who turns 85 later this month, reflects his determination to maintain a global focus on the plight of migrants and lands torn by strife, despite the world’s preoccupation this week with the omicron variant of the coronavirus. His journey will include other hallmarks of the Francis papacy, including encouraging tiny Catholic minorities and reaching out to other religious leaders, this time in the Greek Orthodox Church. He is expected to help relocate to Italy some migrants in Cyprus — and possibly Lesbos again — this time. “Europe cannot ignore the Mediterranean Sea that hosted the spread of the Gospel and the development of great civilizations,” Francis said in a video message before the trip. He lamented the sea becoming a “great cemetery” and said that in the age of the pandemic and climate change, it was imperative to “sail together, and not to split up by going our separate ways.” The trip is the third this year for the pope, who is believed to have received a booster shot, though that has not been confirmed. He made a historic pilgrimage to Iraq in March and a politically symbolic trip to Hungary and Slovakia in September during which he appeared to speak out against nationalism. This trip, which refocuses attention on the priorities of his pontificate, including opening borders and welcoming the destitute, comes as migrants are again facing awful conditions and tragic deaths, including at the Belarus-Poland border and in the English Channel, where at least 27 people died last week. But it also comes at an unpredictable and deeply concerning phase of the pandemic as countries around the world shut their borders to try to protect their populations from a variant whose effects are still very much unknown. “The recommendation in general is prudence,” Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, said when asked about coronavirus precautions and worries that the new variant would eclipse the main themes of the trip. Francis is the second pope, after his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, to visit Cyprus, and Thursday he will meet with local Catholic priests and the president and diplomats in Nicosia, the capital. On Friday, he will visit with the Orthodox archbishop and celebrate a holy Mass at an outdoor stadium. He will end the day with a prayer at a parish church with migrants, and the Vatican has arranged to have about 50 migrants relocated to Italy. Francis will stay at a Franciscan monastery in Nicosia — the divided capital of Cyprus. The medieval city is separated by a U.N.-protected buffer zone. He will then spend Saturday reaching out to Orthodox leaders and meeting with officials before travelling on Sunday to Lesbos, which Bruni said had “become a symbolic place.” Bruni said that the Cyprus visit would allow Francis to underline key themes of his pontificate, as it had over the centuries been “Europe’s outermost border to the Middle East, a laboratory of coexistence and a land of encounter with orthodoxy.” Still, Cyprus is far from a tranquil place. With Turkey to the north, Syria to the East, Israel to the South and Greece to the West, Cyprus is a small, stingray-shaped island between worlds and a crossroads for cultures and migrations. The country has effectively been partitioned since 1974, with its Greek and Turkish communities — and its capital, Nicosia — separated by a buffer zone known as the Green Line. The internationally recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus controls only the southern two-thirds of it, and the remaining third is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but the island is still divided along ethnic lines. Unification efforts start and stop periodically, most recently in 2017, but the talks broke down over Turkey’s refusal to remove its troops. They led to Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declaring, “Turkey will be in Cyprus forever,” and rejecting a unified federation. A recent uptick in migrant arrivals has intensified hard-right, nationalist sentiment and the resistance of the Republic of Cyprus government, which has appealed to the European Union for permission to stop processing asylum requests. But the spike in numbers, and suspicions that Turkey is funnelling the migrants to the border, have deepened the animosity between the north and the south. Nearly 80% of the island’s population is Orthodox Christian, and about 20% is Sunni Muslim. There is only a tiny population of Catholics, about 38,000, who mostly fall under the jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and who trace their roots to the Crusades. That is less than the estimated number of Turkish troops based in the north. Rev. Georgios Armand Houry, a Cypriot priest, said that many Catholics were hoping that the pope would help members of the faith “return home” to uninhabited towns after displacement earlier during the conflict. During Benedict’s 2010 trip, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, accused Turkey of an “obscure plan” to take over the entire island and called for the pope’s “active cooperation” in resolving the long-standing dispute. The north continues to use the Turkish lira and has an economy closely tied to the Turkish mainland. In recent years, tensions have risen after the discovery of rich natural gas deposits under the eastern Mediterranean. Greece, with its islands scattered in the area, claims that it has sole drilling rights. The potential for enormous wealth from the deposits has created a profit-sharing unity among surrounding nations, including Greece, Israel, Israel, Egypt, Italy and Jordan. But Turkey has used northern Cyprus as its toehold, sending drilling ships, accompanied by warships, to explore for gas off Cyprus; that, in turn, has prompted retribution by the European Union against Turkish companies. The prospect of a clash between Greece and Turkey, two NATO allies with centuries of bad blood, has proved worrying. “It’s a wound that has been open for some time,” Bruni said. “The Holy See undoubtedly supports every effort to strengthen bilateral talks, which are the only solution for the island and its people.” He suggested Francis would indirectly take those issues on, saying that he would touch on environmental themes by speaking of the horrible fires that burned Greece’s forests this summer but also “the exploitation of the seabed.” Cyprus is an ancient Christian land. Tradition holds that St. Paul arrived here around A.D. 46 to preach the Gospel with Barnabas, a Cypriot and a saint. Francis, in his video message, said he would come “in the footsteps of the first great missionaries,” and for the chance “to drink from the ancient wellsprings of Europe: Cyprus, the outpost of the Holy Land on the continent; Greece, the home of classical culture.”

Pope Francis heads to Cyprus, aiming to highlight plight of migrants

Vatican’s Pope Francis has thanked journalists from around the world for their helping uncover the sexual abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p>

The Pope has appreciated and thanked the journalists for carrying on their "mission"&nbsp;of journalism. He said it was extremely important that these cases were uncovered and presented infront of the world.<o:p></o:p>

He thanked the journalists for stepping out of the newsrooms to discover and present what was happening around the world. This helps counter misinformation that is spread online these days, he said, and added that "not everything can be told through email, the phone, or a screen."<o:p></o:p>

"(I) thank you for what you tell us about what is wrong in the Church, for helping us not to sweep it under the carpet, and for the voice you have given to the abuse victims," the Pope said.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-appoints-first-woman-to-serve-as-secretary-general-of-vatican-city-426890">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-appoints-first-woman-to-serve-as-secretary-general-of-vatican-city-426890/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The leader thanked the journalists while he was speaking at a ceremony to honour two veteran correspondents (Philip Pullella of Reuters and Valentina Alazraki of Mexico's Noticieros Televisa) who had spent their time covering the Vatican.<o:p></o:p>

Pope Francis was talking about the sexual abuse scandals that had hit the headlines in 2002. Journalists had uncovered several cases where minors had been sexually assaulted and abused by clerics. It was revealed that there was a silent culture of concealment within the Church about these issues.<o:p></o:p>

The exposure of these cases in 2002 continued and since then scandals have been making headlines across the globe. Recently, in October, it was revealed that more than 200,000 children have been abused by French clerics over the past 70 years.<o:p></o:p>

While journalists have, in the past, accused Pope Francis of not acting quickly on these cases, the leader thanked the media houses for their work and said the journalists have "to explain the world, to make it less obscure, to make those who live in it less fear it".<o:p></o:p>

Vatican’s Pope Francis has thanked journalists from around the world for their helping uncover the sexual abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope has appreciated and thanked the journalists for carrying on their "mission" of journalism.

Vatican’s Pope Francis has thanked journalists from around the world for their helping uncover the sexual abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope has appreciated and thanked the journalists for carrying on their "mission" of journalism. He said it was extremely important that these cases were uncovered and presented infront of the world. He thanked the journalists for stepping out of the newsrooms to discover and present what was happening around the world. This helps counter misinformation that is spread online these days, he said, and added that "not everything can be told through email, the phone, or a screen." "(I) thank you for what you tell us about what is wrong in the Church, for helping us not to sweep it under the carpet, and for the voice you have given to the abuse victims," the Pope said. WATCH | The leader thanked the journalists while he was speaking at a ceremony to honour two veteran correspondents (Philip Pullella of Reuters and Valentina Alazraki of Mexico's Noticieros Televisa) who had spent their time covering the Vatican. Pope Francis was talking about the sexual abuse scandals that had hit the headlines in 2002. Journalists had uncovered several cases where minors had been sexually assaulted and abused by clerics. It was revealed that there was a silent culture of concealment within the Church about these issues. The exposure of these cases in 2002 continued and since then scandals have been making headlines across the globe. Recently, in October, it was revealed that more than 200,000 children have been abused by French clerics over the past 70 years. While journalists have, in the past, accused Pope Francis of not acting quickly on these cases, the leader thanked the media houses for their work and said the journalists have "to explain the world, to make it less obscure, to make those who live in it less fear it".

Pope Francis thanks journalists for exposing sexual abuse cases

Pope Francis has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini, to become the secretary-general of the office governing Vatican City State. The position previously had been held by a priest, who was named a bishop shortly after becoming secretary-general.

Pope Francis appoints first woman to serve as secretary-general of Vatican City

Pope Francis appointed a woman Thursday to head up the governorate of the Vatican, as he forges ahead with a mission to achieve greater gender equality in the Church.

The pontiff appointed Franciscan sister Raffaella Petrini as the new secretary general of the governorate, making her the first woman to ever hold the post.

Petrini, 52, who will be responsible for overseeing administrative operations, including the Vatican museums, post office and police, becomes the highest-ranking woman in the world's smallest state.

The National Catholic Reporter online newspaper said the role is traditionally held by a bishop.

Francis, 84, has repeatedly said he wants women to play a greater role in the Roman Catholic Church.

In January he changed the law to allow them to serve as readers at liturgies, altar servers and distributors of communion -- but stopped short of saying the change could one day open the door to female priests.

In February he broke with Catholic tradition to appoint a woman as an undersecretary of the synod of bishops, the first to hold the post with voting rights in a body that studies major questions of doctrine.

The pope created a commission in 2016 into the history of female deacons in the early year of the Catholic Church, in a move reformers hope could open the door to women taking up the role today.

After their findings were said by the pope to be inconclusive, he set up a fresh commission to look into the issue last year.

Pope Francis appointed a woman Thursday to head up the governorate of the Vatican, as he forges ahead with a mission to achieve greater gender equality in the Church.

Pope Francis appointed a woman Thursday to head up the governorate of the Vatican, as he forges ahead with a mission to achieve greater gender equality in the Church. The pontiff appointed Franciscan sister Raffaella Petrini as the new secretary general of the governorate, making her the first woman to ever hold the post. Petrini, 52, who will be responsible for overseeing administrative operations, including the Vatican museums, post office and police, becomes the highest-ranking woman in the world's smallest state. The National Catholic Reporter online newspaper said the role is traditionally held by a bishop. Francis, 84, has repeatedly said he wants women to play a greater role in the Roman Catholic Church. In January he changed the law to allow them to serve as readers at liturgies, altar servers and distributors of communion -- but stopped short of saying the change could one day open the door to female priests. In February he broke with Catholic tradition to appoint a woman as an undersecretary of the synod of bishops, the first to hold the post with voting rights in a body that studies major questions of doctrine. The pope created a commission in 2016 into the history of female deacons in the early year of the Catholic Church, in a move reformers hope could open the door to women taking up the role today. After their findings were said by the pope to be inconclusive, he set up a fresh commission to look into the issue last year.

Pope names Raffaella Petrini as first woman to head Vatican governorate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

Briefing reporters about Prime Minister's visit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said Pope reciprocated with a 'bronze plaque' with an inscription that the 'desert will become a garden'.

PM Modi, who participated in the G20 Summit, met Pope Francis earlier in the day. It was the first-ever meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis. PM Modi and Pope also discussed the challenge posed by climate change.

The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world.

He also briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India's success in administering one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Briefing reporters about Prime Minister's visit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said Pope reciprocated with a 'bronze plaque' with an inscription that the 'desert will become a garden'. PM Modi, who participated in the G20 Summit, met Pope Francis earlier in the day. It was the first-ever meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis. PM Modi and Pope also discussed the challenge posed by climate change. The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. He also briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India's success in administering one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses.

PM Modi gifts silver candle stand, book on India's commitment on environment to Pope Francis

PM Narendra Modi, who arrived in Italy on Friday to participate in the two-day Summit, will be meeting Pope Francis in Vatican today. PM Modi will also hold a meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron to strengthen strategic ties.

G20 summit: Prime Minister Modi to meet Pope Francis

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis at the Vatican city. The pope has also accepted an invitation by the Indian prime minister to visit India. This will be the first papal visit to India since 1999.

Indian PM Modi visits Italy, meets Pope Francis

Indian PM meets Pope Francis, discusses climate strategy ahead of COP26

President Joe Biden met Pope Francis at the Vatican amid a raging debate over abortion rights. The 'unusually long' 90-minute interaction was not open to journalists. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Biden meets Pope, Vatican cancels live coverage

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere. This was very first meeting between the two leaders.

But PM Modi's connect with the Christian community goes well beyond the customary festive wishes most other leaders are known for.

In February 2015, PM Narendra Modi addressed the National Celebration of the Elevation to Sainthood of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Mother Euphrasia.

On June 27, 2020, PM Modi attended 90th birth anniversary of Dr Joseph Mar Thoma

His connect with Indian Christians as well as the Christian community across the world has found reflection in 'Mann Ki Baat', the monthly radio address to the nation.

In 'Mann ki Baat' that aired in July 2021, PM Modi mentioned how India handed over Holy Relic of Saint Queen Ketevan to Georgia strengthening the ties between the two nations. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar himself went to Georgia to hand over the relics. The handover ceremony, held in an emotional atmosphere, was attended by Georgia's president, prime minister and many Georgian religious leaders.

On September 29, 2019, PM Modi mentioned Sister Mariam Thresia and expressed pride that Sister Mariam Thresia, an Indian who was to be declared a Saint by Pope Francis in the Vatican. He mentioned Sister Mariam as being a noble example to the world.

On December 31 2017, PM Modi paid a special homage to Jesus Christ. He said that pious occasion of Christmas reminded all of great teachings of Jesus Christ.

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere.

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere. This was very first meeting between the two leaders. But PM Modi's connect with the Christian community goes well beyond the customary festive wishes most other leaders are known for. In February 2015, PM Narendra Modi addressed the National Celebration of the Elevation to Sainthood of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Mother Euphrasia. On June 27, 2020, PM Modi attended 90th birth anniversary of Dr Joseph Mar Thoma His connect with Indian Christians as well as the Christian community across the world has found reflection in 'Mann Ki Baat', the monthly radio address to the nation. In 'Mann ki Baat' that aired in July 2021, PM Modi mentioned how India handed over Holy Relic of Saint Queen Ketevan to Georgia strengthening the ties between the two nations. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar himself went to Georgia to hand over the relics. The handover ceremony, held in an emotional atmosphere, was attended by Georgia's president, prime minister and many Georgian religious leaders. On September 29, 2019, PM Modi mentioned Sister Mariam Thresia and expressed pride that Sister Mariam Thresia, an Indian who was to be declared a Saint by Pope Francis in the Vatican. He mentioned Sister Mariam as being a noble example to the world. On December 31 2017, PM Modi paid a special homage to Jesus Christ. He said that pious occasion of Christmas reminded all of great teachings of Jesus Christ.

Historic meet with Pope Francis is latest in Indian PM Modi's connect with Christians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Pope Francis to India after a one-on-one meeting in Vatican City on Saturday. PM Modi and the Pope discussed a wide range of issues aimed at climate change and removing poverty.

Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Pope Francis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday and invited the head of the Catholic Church to visit India.

According to officials, the prime minister's meeting with the pope lasted for more than an hour.

Notably, the last Papal visit by an Indian leader happened in 1999 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister and Pope John Paul II visited India.

During their meeting, PM Modi and the Pope discussed a wide range of issues including climate change and poverty.

"PM Modi had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. A meeting that was scheduled only for twenty minutes went on for an hour," said an official who didn't wish to be named.

It is the first-ever one-to-one meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Pope Francis.&nbsp;At the Vatican, Modi was accompanied by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Prime Minister also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican City State.

Modi is the fifth Indian Prime Minister to meet the head of the Roman Catholics. Before him, prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, I K Gujral and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had met the then popes at the Vatican.

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Had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis. I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with him and also invited him to visit India. <a href="https://twitter.com/Pontifex?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pontifex</a> <a href="https://t.co/QP0If1uJAC">pic.twitter.com/QP0If1uJAC</a>
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While briefing media on the details of the prime minister’s engagements in Italy, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday had said, “The Prime Minister will have a separate call. He will be meeting his Holiness on a one-on-one basis. And that could, after a certain period of time, be followed up by delegation-level talks.”

Shringla said health issues, COVID-19 might be the agenda of the talks, but he quickly added that the Vatican has not set any agenda.

“I believe tradition is not to have an agenda when you discuss issues with His Holiness. And I think we respect that. I'm sure the issues that will be covered will cover a range of areas of interests in terms of the general global perspectives and issues that are important to all of us,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-begins-engagements-in-rome-holds-meeting-with-european-council-european-commission-presidents-424989">PM Modi begins engagements in Rome, holds meeting with European Council, European Commission presidents</a>

Earlier, in India, Modi’s visit was welcomed by the Catholic Church. Even before the government officially announced the visit, the president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference, Cardinal George Alenchery, issued a statement saying that it would “add more energy and warmth to the relations between our country and the Vatican and the Catholic Church”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-sanskrit-chants-selfies-as-pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-meets-indian-diaspora-in-rome-425033">Watch: Sanskrit chants, selfies as PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, meets Indian diaspora in Rome</a>

On Thursday, PM Modi, before leaving for Italy for the G20 Summit, had said that he would be visiting Rome and the Vatican City from October 29-31.

“During my visit to Italy, I will also visit the Vatican City, to call on His Holiness Pope Francis and meet Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday and invited the head of the Catholic Church to visit India. According to officials, the prime minister's meeting with the pope lasted for more than an hour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday and invited the head of the Catholic Church to visit India. According to officials, the prime minister's meeting with the pope lasted for more than an hour. Notably, the last Papal visit by an Indian leader happened in 1999 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister and Pope John Paul II visited India. During their meeting, PM Modi and the Pope discussed a wide range of issues including climate change and poverty. "PM Modi had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. A meeting that was scheduled only for twenty minutes went on for an hour," said an official who didn't wish to be named. It is the first-ever one-to-one meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Pope Francis. At the Vatican, Modi was accompanied by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Prime Minister also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican City State. Modi is the fifth Indian Prime Minister to meet the head of the Roman Catholics. Before him, prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, I K Gujral and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had met the then popes at the Vatican. Had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis. I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with him and also invited him to visit India. @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/QP0If1uJAC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 30, 2021 × While briefing media on the details of the prime minister’s engagements in Italy, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday had said, “The Prime Minister will have a separate call. He will be meeting his Holiness on a one-on-one basis. And that could, after a certain period of time, be followed up by delegation-level talks.” Shringla said health issues, COVID-19 might be the agenda of the talks, but he quickly added that the Vatican has not set any agenda. “I believe tradition is not to have an agenda when you discuss issues with His Holiness. And I think we respect that. I'm sure the issues that will be covered will cover a range of areas of interests in terms of the general global perspectives and issues that are important to all of us,” he said. Also read | PM Modi begins engagements in Rome, holds meeting with European Council, European Commission presidents Earlier, in India, Modi’s visit was welcomed by the Catholic Church. Even before the government officially announced the visit, the president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference, Cardinal George Alenchery, issued a statement saying that it would “add more energy and warmth to the relations between our country and the Vatican and the Catholic Church”. Watch: Sanskrit chants, selfies as PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, meets Indian diaspora in Rome On Thursday, PM Modi, before leaving for Italy for the G20 Summit, had said that he would be visiting Rome and the Vatican City from October 29-31. “During my visit to Italy, I will also visit the Vatican City, to call on His Holiness Pope Francis and meet Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin,” he said.

At historic meeting, PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Vatican City on Saturday to hold his first ever one-on-one meeting with Pope Francis. PM Modi will be in Rome, Italy from October 29 to October 31 to attend the G20 Summit at the invitation of Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

PM Modi's first ever meeting with Pope Francis concludes

PM Modi's one-on-one with Pope Francis. Here's what happened in the meet

Leaders of the 20 richest countries will recognise the existential threat of climate change, a draft communique seen by Reuters shows, as Pope Francis on Friday said the COP26 summit must give future generations "concrete hope" by matching words with deeds.

The Group of 20, whose leaders gather on Saturday and Sunday in Rome before heading to Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations gathering, will pledge to take urgent steps to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-lobbying-to-reduce-climate-change-goals-ahead-of-cop26-reveal-leaked-documents-422610">&nbsp;Countries lobbying to reduce climate change goals ahead of COP26, reveal leaked documents</a>

While the landmark 2015 Paris agreement committed signatories to keeping global warming to "well below" 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5 degrees, carbon levels in the atmosphere have since grown.

"We commit to tackle the existential challenge of climate change," the G20 draft, which might still be changed, said as people around the world prepared to take to the streets to demonstrate their desire for political action.

"We recognise that the impacts of climate change at 1.5 degrees are much lower than at 2 degrees and that immediate action must be taken to keep 1.5 degrees within reach."

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will join his G20 counterparts after a setback on Thursday when the House of Representatives abandoned plans for a vote on a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which would have represented the biggest investment in climate action in US&nbsp;history.

Biden had hoped to reach an agreement before COP26, where he wants to present a message that the United States has resumed the fight against global warming.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis joined in the chorus calling for action at COP26, which runs from October&nbsp;31 to November&nbsp;12, saying the world's political leaders must give future generations "concrete hope" that they are taking the radical steps needed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-deal-will-be-harder-than-paris-accord-says-alok-sharma-423292">Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma</a>

The 84-year-old pope, who will not attend COP26 following surgery earlier this year, called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action, saying that while talks would be tough, they offered an opportunity.

"These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said, adding: "moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is hosting the event, this week said the outcome of COP26 hangs in the balance.

Matter Of Survival

The statement from the G20, which represents an estimated 80 per cent&nbsp;of global greenhouse gas emissions, said its members acknowledged "the key relevance of achieving global net zero greenhouse gas emissions or carbon neutrality by 2050".

But the countries on the front line in the campaign against climate change as they struggle against rising sea levels want immediate action.

"We need concrete action now. We cannot wait until 2050, it is a matter of our survival," Anote Tong, a former president of Kiribati and twice a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, said.

UN climate experts say a 2050 deadline is crucial to meet the 1.5 degree limit, but some of the world's biggest polluters say they cannot reach it, with China, by far the largest carbon emitter, aiming for 2060.

In the G20 draft communique, the 2050 date appears in brackets, indicating it is still subject to negotiation. 
Current commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions put the planet on track for an average 2.7C temperature rise this century, a UN report said on Tuesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-sponsors-deem-the-climate-summit-as-mismanaged-and-very-last-minute-421757">COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute'</a>

Tong has predicted his country of 33 atolls and islands that stand just metres above sea level, will likely become uninhabitable in 30 to 60 years&nbsp;time and Pacific Island leaders said they would demand immediate action in Glasgow, with an initial focus on G20 leaders, on sweeping changes.

"A strong commitment and outcome from the G20 Rome Summit will pave the way for an ambitious and successful COP26," Henry Puna, former Cook Islands prime minister and now secretary of the Pacific Islands Forum, said in a statement.

"We do not have the luxury of time and must join forces urgently and deliver the required ambition at COP26 to safeguard the future of all humankind, and our planet," Puna added.

Leaders of the 20 richest countries will recognise the existential threat of climate change, a draft communique seen by Reuters shows, as Pope Francis on Friday said the COP26 summit must give future generations "concrete hope" by matching words with deeds.

Leaders of the 20 richest countries will recognise the existential threat of climate change, a draft communique seen by Reuters shows, as Pope Francis on Friday said the COP26 summit must give future generations "concrete hope" by matching words with deeds. The Group of 20, whose leaders gather on Saturday and Sunday in Rome before heading to Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations gathering, will pledge to take urgent steps to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Also Read | Countries lobbying to reduce climate change goals ahead of COP26, reveal leaked documents While the landmark 2015 Paris agreement committed signatories to keeping global warming to "well below" 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5 degrees, carbon levels in the atmosphere have since grown. "We commit to tackle the existential challenge of climate change," the G20 draft, which might still be changed, said as people around the world prepared to take to the streets to demonstrate their desire for political action. "We recognise that the impacts of climate change at 1.5 degrees are much lower than at 2 degrees and that immediate action must be taken to keep 1.5 degrees within reach." US President Joe Biden will join his G20 counterparts after a setback on Thursday when the House of Representatives abandoned plans for a vote on a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which would have represented the biggest investment in climate action in US history. Biden had hoped to reach an agreement before COP26, where he wants to present a message that the United States has resumed the fight against global warming. Meanwhile, Pope Francis joined in the chorus calling for action at COP26, which runs from October 31 to November 12, saying the world's political leaders must give future generations "concrete hope" that they are taking the radical steps needed. Also Read | Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma The 84-year-old pope, who will not attend COP26 following surgery earlier this year, called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action, saying that while talks would be tough, they offered an opportunity. "These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said, adding: "moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is hosting the event, this week said the outcome of COP26 hangs in the balance. Matter Of Survival The statement from the G20, which represents an estimated 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, said its members acknowledged "the key relevance of achieving global net zero greenhouse gas emissions or carbon neutrality by 2050". But the countries on the front line in the campaign against climate change as they struggle against rising sea levels want immediate action. "We need concrete action now. We cannot wait until 2050, it is a matter of our survival," Anote Tong, a former president of Kiribati and twice a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, said. UN climate experts say a 2050 deadline is crucial to meet the 1.5 degree limit, but some of the world's biggest polluters say they cannot reach it, with China, by far the largest carbon emitter, aiming for 2060. In the G20 draft communique, the 2050 date appears in brackets, indicating it is still subject to negotiation. Current commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions put the planet on track for an average 2.7C temperature rise this century, a UN report said on Tuesday. Also Read | COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute' Tong has predicted his country of 33 atolls and islands that stand just metres above sea level, will likely become uninhabitable in 30 to 60 years time and Pacific Island leaders said they would demand immediate action in Glasgow, with an initial focus on G20 leaders, on sweeping changes. "A strong commitment and outcome from the G20 Rome Summit will pave the way for an ambitious and successful COP26," Henry Puna, former Cook Islands prime minister and now secretary of the Pacific Islands Forum, said in a statement. "We do not have the luxury of time and must join forces urgently and deliver the required ambition at COP26 to safeguard the future of all humankind, and our planet," Puna added.

Rich nations acknowledge climate threat as Pope, Pacific Islands urge action

Political leaders must give "concrete hope" to future generations that they are taking the radical steps needed to tackle climate change when they meet at COP26, Pope Francis said in a message released in Friday.

The United Nation's COP26 summit runs from October&nbsp;31 to November&nbsp;12 in Glasgow, Scotland, and Pope Francis called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-deal-will-be-harder-than-paris-accord-says-alok-sharma-423292">Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma</a>

"It is essential that each of us be committed to this urgent change of direction," he said on BBC Radio.

"The political decision makers who will meet at COP26 in Glasgow are urgently summoned to provide effective responses to the present ecological crisis and in this way to offer concrete hope to future generations."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the summit is unbelievably important, but the outcome is in the balance as talks will be difficult.

Pope Francis said the summit would be tough, but also represents an opportunity.

"These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said.

"At the same time, moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste."

The Vatican is sending a delegation to the summit, but the 84-year-old pope will not be going following surgery earlier this year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-may-not-attend-cop26-report-424175">Chinese President Xi may not attend COP26: Report</a>

Pope Francis warned against the danger of isolationism and protectionism in dealing with the climate crisis. 
"We can confront these crises by retreating into isolationism, protectionism and exploitation. Or we can see in them a real chance for change, a genuine moment of conversion, and not simply in a spiritual sense," he said.

"This last approach alone can guide us towards a brighter horizon."

Political leaders must give "concrete hope" to future generations that they are taking the radical steps needed to tackle climate change when they meet at COP26, Pope Francis said in a message released in Friday.

Political leaders must give "concrete hope" to future generations that they are taking the radical steps needed to tackle climate change when they meet at COP26, Pope Francis said in a message released in Friday. The United Nation's COP26 summit runs from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow, Scotland, and Pope Francis called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action. Also Read | Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma "It is essential that each of us be committed to this urgent change of direction," he said on BBC Radio. "The political decision makers who will meet at COP26 in Glasgow are urgently summoned to provide effective responses to the present ecological crisis and in this way to offer concrete hope to future generations." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the summit is unbelievably important, but the outcome is in the balance as talks will be difficult. Pope Francis said the summit would be tough, but also represents an opportunity. "These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said. "At the same time, moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste." The Vatican is sending a delegation to the summit, but the 84-year-old pope will not be going following surgery earlier this year. Also Read | Chinese President Xi may not attend COP26: Report Pope Francis warned against the danger of isolationism and protectionism in dealing with the climate crisis. "We can confront these crises by retreating into isolationism, protectionism and exploitation. Or we can see in them a real chance for change, a genuine moment of conversion, and not simply in a spiritual sense," he said. "This last approach alone can guide us towards a brighter horizon."

Pope Francis: COP26 must offer concrete hope to future generations

US president Joe Biden meets with Pope Francis in the Vatican ahead of the G-20 leaders' summit in Rome about the global economy, followed by a summit on climate change in Glasgow.

US president Joe Biden meets with Pope Francis in the Vatican

When the Pope talks to his audience, all eyes are on him. However, this time, a small boy took the limelight as he tried to steal from the leader.<o:p></o:p>

A young boy, who is reported to be 10-years-old, was seated next to the Pope during one of his usual address with his followers.<o:p></o:p>

The boy hesitantly approached the Pope at the start of the audience in the Paul VI hall. The security officials did not stop him as he was deemed to be harmless security-wise.

<o:p><img alt="Boy steals Pope's cap" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0a1c522-f97b-4538-aeba-1b9804f0c1aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Boy%20steals%20Pope%27s%20cap.jpg" /></o:p>

Then, he shook hands with the Pope and kept jumping with joy. He continued moving around the leader with the intention of staying with the Pope for a bit longer. Upon realising this, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the head of protocol, gave him a chair to sit on the right side of the Pope.<o:p></o:p>

As the Pope resumed his address, the boy was often spotted getting up and leaving the stage and then returning back to it.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-must-address-unprecedented-climate-crisis-pope-francis-warns-418150">COP26 must address 'unprecedented' climate crisis, Pope Francis warns</a></o:p>

Soon, the boy started pointing out at the Pope’s zucchetto, white skull cap. He even once tried to pick it up from the Pope's head. The officials quickly found a similar skull cap for the boy and handed it to him, brining a smile on his face.<o:p></o:p>

The boy, reportedly, suffers from some medical "limitation". He was wearing a mask, as per Covid protocols and was dressed in a track suit.<o:p></o:p>

Pope took this opportunity to give his blessings to the boy. "I thank this boy for the lesson he has given all of us. May the Lord help him in his limitation, as he grows, because what he did came from the heart," the Pope said.<o:p></o:p>

When the Pope talks to his audience, all eyes are on him. However, this time, a small boy took the limelight as he tried to steal from the leader. A young boy, who is reported to be 10-years-old, was seated next to the Pope during one of his usual address with his followers.

When the Pope talks to his audience, all eyes are on him. However, this time, a small boy took the limelight as he tried to steal from the leader. A young boy, who is reported to be 10-years-old, was seated next to the Pope during one of his usual address with his followers. The boy hesitantly approached the Pope at the start of the audience in the Paul VI hall. The security officials did not stop him as he was deemed to be harmless security-wise. Then, he shook hands with the Pope and kept jumping with joy. He continued moving around the leader with the intention of staying with the Pope for a bit longer. Upon realising this, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the head of protocol, gave him a chair to sit on the right side of the Pope. As the Pope resumed his address, the boy was often spotted getting up and leaving the stage and then returning back to it. Also read | COP26 must address 'unprecedented' climate crisis, Pope Francis warns Soon, the boy started pointing out at the Pope’s zucchetto, white skull cap. He even once tried to pick it up from the Pope's head. The officials quickly found a similar skull cap for the boy and handed it to him, brining a smile on his face. The boy, reportedly, suffers from some medical "limitation". He was wearing a mask, as per Covid protocols and was dressed in a track suit. Pope took this opportunity to give his blessings to the boy. "I thank this boy for the lesson he has given all of us. May the Lord help him in his limitation, as he grows, because what he did came from the heart," the Pope said.

Boy steals the show by trying to take Pope's skull cap

Issuing a stark warning the head of the catholic church and sovereign of the Vatican city state has said that the earth will become un-inhabitable if there is no concrete action taken on climate change. He further asserted the complexity of the ecological crisis. Listen in to what Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis emphasises on need to act on climate change

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