In response to Pope Francis’ Amazon-themed speech to Brazilian bishops, World Wildlife Fund’s Dekila Chungyalpa, Director of WWF’s Sacred Earth program, issued the following statement:

“We’re grateful that Pope Francis is adding his influential voice to the growing number of faith leaders around the world who are recognizing the importance of protecting our planet from environmental harm. And we’re especially thankful he’s urging young people to be problem solvers on behalf of the entire planet and all of God’s creations.”
“Pope Francis’ compassionate speech today asking bishops to respect the environment in which we live and to continue to protect the Amazon will reach millions and carry historic importance.”

“WWF applauds Pope Francis’ uplifting World Youth Day message calling for ‘respect and protection of the entire creation which God has entrusted to man, not so that it indiscriminately exploited, but rather made into a garden.”