In response to the escalating climate crisis and ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) set for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, the Claretian Missionaries joined partners from across continents in a global virtual conversation on July 29. The meeting aimed to share strategies and deepen commitment to ecological action, highlighting the Catholic Church’s prophetic role in safeguarding creation and advocating for vulnerable communities.
The gathering began with a prayer led by Fr. Eguione Ricardo, CMF, Provincial Superior of Brazil. Welcoming participants, Fr. Rohan Dominic, CMF, stressed the urgency of climate action and prophetic witness at COP 30. Damiana, a climate advocate with Caritas Latin America, moderated the session, urging coordinated solidarity across regions and emphasizing Brazil’s pivotal role as COP 30 host.
Monsignor Juan Carlos Barreto, Bishop of Soacha and President of Social Pastoral – Cáritas Colombia, shared the Church’s initiatives around the Atrato River, recognized with legal rights status, and spoke of regional efforts to promote ethical approaches for COP 30. Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, Emeritus Bishop of Mumbai, warned of rising sea levels threatening food security and displacing coastal populations, calling for stronger Asian participation. From Cameroon, Bishop Michael Bibi highlighted Africa’s struggles with drought, land degradation, and extreme weather, linking environmental harm to social injustice.
Fr. Dario Bossi, member of the CNBB’s Special Commission on Mining and Integral Ecology, urged ecological conversion and global solidarity. Dorismeire Vasconcelos of REPAM Brazil emphasized the Amazon’s care, women’s leadership, and integrating ecological and social concerns. Br. João Gutemberg, FSC, reported on REPAM’s Amazon Summit engagement and COP 30 advocacy against reaching the planet’s “point of no return.”
MICLA President Fausto Cruz Rosa, CMF, reaffirmed the Claretians’ ecological mission through reforestation, recycling, and community education. Closing the meeting, Fr. Rohan Dominic expressed gratitude and encouraged ongoing collaboration toward COP 30.
Source: Rohan Dominic, CMF, – UN Presence.
