In Prague, Pope Francis has requested young people cut down on meat to help address the climate crisis. In a letter to the EU Youth Conference, which began last week, the sustainable see called on young people to take care of our “common home” in light of climate change.
“May you aspire to a life of dignity and sobriety, without luxury and waste, so that everyone in our world can enjoy a dignified existence,” Rome’s vicar wrote. “There is an urgent need to reduce the consumption not only of fossil fuels but also of so many superfluous things. In certain areas of the world, too, it would be appropriate to consume less meat: this too can help save the environment.”
The pope did catch heat in 2019 for not accepting an offer from Million Dollar Vegan to eschew animal products for Lent in exchange for a $1-million donation to the charity of his choosing.
“I am Catholic but I protest against the decisions of Pope Francis, who chose this name in homage to St. Francis of Assisi and does nothing to improve the condition of animals,” French actress Brigitte Bardot tweeted at the time, according to VegNews. “His last decision to allow Catholics to feed on animal flesh during the 40 days of Lent is aberrant. I support the association Million Dollar Vegan which revolts against this papal cruelty and respecting religious advice, invites believers to do a vegan Lent.”