The Holy See, in the name and on behalf of Vatican City State, has joined the international framework for climate protection through its accession to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. This step confirms the State’s commitment to promoting a shared and responsible response to global environmental challenges, in continuity with the vision set forth by Pope Francis in Laudato si’ and Laudate Deum, , centered on care for our common home and the protection of the most vulnerable.

Through the instruments of accession—each accompanied by an official Declaration—the Holy See intends to offer its moral contribution to the efforts of the international community to address the challenges posed by climate change effectively and in a spirit of solidarity. As Pope Francis emphasized, these challenges are not only environmental in nature, but also ethical, social, economic, and political, and have a particularly significant impact on the lives of the poor and the vulnerable.

The Holy See therefore recalls the shared responsibility of States to foster a culture of care, centered on human dignity and the common good, in keeping with the message conveyed in the Video Message for the High-Level Climate Ambition Summit (12 December 2020).

In the context of its accession to the Convention and the Paris Agreement, the Holy See reiterates Pope Francis’ urgent appeal to “renew the dialogue on how we are shaping the future of our planet,” since the environmental crisis and its human roots “concern and affect us all” (Laudato si’, §14).

In response to the fundamental question, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us?” (Laudato si’, §160), the Holy See points to the need for an ecological conversion that is both individual and communal, capable of guiding society toward a more integral and responsible model of development.

In his Message to COP26 (29 October 2021), Pope Francis emphasized the need for a “strong convergence of all” in order to bring about a change of direction that moves beyond the throwaway culture and promotes a culture of care for our common home.

Solidarity and responsibility are the two fundamental values that must guide the implementation of the Convention and the Paris Agreement. These same values also shape the commitment of Vatican City State throughout the implementation process.