Pope to climate summit: saving Earth requires adopting “sober and responsible” lifestyles

Pope to climate summit: respect God’s creation

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI has told world leaders attending the climate summit in Copenhagen that caring for God’s creation requires they adopt sober and responsible lifestyles.

Benedict said Sunday he hoped the meeting, which opens Monday, would outline actions that respect creation and promote development while respecting human dignity and the common good.

The Vatican, which has U.N. observer status, is sending a delegation to Copenhagen.

Benedict has spoken out frequently about the need to care for the planet, dedicating a good part of his last encyclical to the issue. Under his pontificate, the Vatican has also installed photovoltaic cells on the roof of its auditorium and begun a reforestation project aimed at offsetting its C02 emissions.