The pope insists US politicians respond to climate change. Will they listen? | Sister Simone Campbell

The Vatican's encyclical called on strong government action to protect the environment but political leaders really don't like a call to conversion

Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment was delivered to the entire world, but much of what he wrote was important for those of us in the US - especially our political leaders. It is a strong wake-up call that market-driven approaches to climate change and environmental degradation are not sufficient. Strong government action is needed, but most people, including political leaders, really don't like a call to conversion.

Pope Francis was right when he asked politicians: "What would induce anyone, at this stage, to hold on to power only to be remembered for their inability to take action when it was urgent and necessary to do so?" He was referring to continued reluctance by leaders in the US and elsewhere to effectively tackle these crises.