'No further delays allowed on climate' - Pope tells COP29

Urges world leaders to act now to address climate change

Pope Francis has called on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change, warning that there is no more time for delays.

In a video message to the COP29 climate summit in Egypt, the Pope said that the world is facing a "climate emergency" and that "we can no longer afford to wait."

He urged leaders to "act decisively" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable development.

The Pope's message comes as world leaders gather in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for the COP29 climate summit. The summit is seen as a crucial opportunity to make progress on the global response to climate change.

In his message, the Pope said that the world is facing a "choice between life and death." He said that the consequences of climate change are already being felt around the world, in the form of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food shortages.

"We can no longer afford to delay," he said. "We must act now to protect our planet and our future."

The Pope's message was welcomed by climate activists, who said that it sends a strong signal to world leaders that the time for action is now.

"The Pope's message is a clear call to action," said Greenpeace International Executive Director Jennifer Morgan. "World leaders must listen to his words and act decisively to address the climate crisis."

The COP29 climate summit is expected to produce a new agreement on climate action. The agreement is expected to include commitments from countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable development.

The Pope's message is a reminder that the world can no longer afford to delay on climate action. Leaders must act now to protect our planet and our future.