I am delighted to extend warm greetings to this Summit of Conscience. I thank President François Hollande and the Government of France for taking the initiative to organize this gathering, and all the participants for their commitment to honoring and caring for our common home, the planet Earth.

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time.  It affects us all, but it does not affect us all equally. We have a profound responsibility to protect and assist the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, and to pass on to future generations a planet that is thriving and healthy.

I welcome the contributions that the world’s faith communities and all people of conscience and goodwill bring to this issue. As His Holiness Pope Francis recently reminded us in his encyclical, climate change is a moral issue of the highest order.

I welcome the efforts by millions of citizens around the world to reduce their carbon footprint, minimize excess consumption, protect species and plant trees.  Many are also advocating for a meaningful, universal agreement in Paris this December that commits all countries to action by all, for the benefit of all.

Given the alarming pace of environmental destruction, these measures are essential.  However, it is clear that we must go beyond these steps to embrace a fundamental change in consciousness and learn to live in better balance with other species and the planet that sustains us. 

We have much to learn, and not much time. An ambitious agreement here in Paris at year’s end is essential.

It would help to accelerate the dramatic changes that are already taking place, above all the revolution in renewable energy that is seeing prices drop and viability rise.

A universal agreement would also commit all countries to climate action, thereby promoting equity, global solidarity and a much-needed sense of common cause.

I will count on you to raise your voices and press your leaders to seize this opportunity.  At the same time, we know that climate change is too important to leave to governments alone.

Each of us can and must be a part of the solution.  I encourage you to continue to work together as communities of faith and conscience, united by a shared concern for building a more just, sustainable and livable world for all.

Thank you for your commitment and your leadership.  Please accept my best wishes for a successful summit.