As world leaders gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, the United Nations’ annual climate summit taking place from 10–21 November 2025, the Diocese of Northampton joins with people of faith worldwide in prayer, for ecological conversion, for courageous leadership, and for decisions shaped by a preferential option for the world’s poorest.
COP30 is the 30th Conference of the Parties, bringing together all nations that are party to the landmark 1992 UN treaty on tackling climate change. The newest Party is the Holy See, which formally joined in 2022, another sign of the Church’s deepening commitment to care for our common home.
Each year, the COP presidency rotates among five world regions; in 2025, it is the turn of Latin America and the Caribbean. This year’s conference will be presided over by André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, an experienced Brazilian diplomat and climate negotiator.
In these ever-challenging and often frustrating times, we are reminded of Jesus’ call to “pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) and St Paul’s exhortation to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). From far away, we can still act—with prayer, advocacy, and renewed commitment to stewarding God’s creation.
A Message From Bishop John Arnold, Lead Bishop for the Environment (England & Wales)
Reflecting on the decade since the Paris Agreement, Bishop John Arnold offers both encouragement and a sober warning:
“While there has been progress made since that agreement was signed ten years ago, we are sadly witnessing a troubling reality. Despite worsening climate threats, many major economies continue to expand fossil fuel production and global emissions have reached record highs. We have even seen a rise in political figures questioning the need of urgent climate action. This is a serious cause for concern.
“I urge our government to renew its commitment to net zero and resist the temptation to row back on its pledges. Leadership means both meeting our own responsibilities and encouraging other nations to do the same, while offering support to those countries already suffering the harshest effects of climate crisis. We need delivery.
“As Catholics, we should do what is in our power to care for creation and our common home. Pope Leo reminded us in the Season of Creation that now, more than ever, we need to work together, to think of future generations and take urgent action if we are to truly respond to the scale of this climate crisis.
“Climate action is not a luxury for calmer times. It is an urgent moral and practical necessity. I invite all Catholics to pray that leaders gathered at COP30 will show courage and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.
“I invite Catholics to support CAFOD’s campaign to urge the UK government to take decisive action on the climate emergency. You can take part by sending a letter to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband via this link: COP30: Take action on the climate crisis, and by doing so, make your voice heard.”
