Belém, BRAZIL — From November 10 to 21, COP 30, the largest global United Nations conference on climate change, was held in Belém, Brazil. It was an important opportunity to hear the voices of the world’s powerful leaders and the people most affected by climate change and its socio-environmental impacts.
During these meeting days, the Church was present with the largest delegation in the history of the COP: in fact, we can count various cardinals and multiple organizations, expressing in solidarity the great concern and attention to the “care of our common home” promoted by the last two Popes: https://www.cidse.org/2025/11/21/a-global-synodal-voice-for-ecological-conversion/.
As part of the Catholic Church delegation, there was also a large group of international Franciscan delegations with the aim of promoting various activities and debates such as the “Blue Zone“; the negotiation area; the People’s Summit, organized in collaboration with various social movements and organizations present. The Franciscan Family in Brazil also mobilized throughout the year with the “Pilgrimage in Defense of our Common Home” in all its regions, remaining closely connected to the entire COP process and making its presence felt through some of its members.
Among the Franciscans, there were several Capuchin delegates present. We mention two names: Br. Benedict Ayodi, member of Franciscans International in New York, who represented the General Minister, and Br. Marcelo Toyansk, representing the Capuchin Friars of Brazil through the JPIC service of the Conference.
Part of the Franciscan delegation was hosted at the Capuchin monastery in Belém, creating an opportunity for fraternity and deep dialogue on the development of the topics and themes discussed at COP 30 and our charism.
COP 30 focused on adapting to climate change, making it clear that mitigation is no longer possible. Franciscans International followed the negotiations on the “loss and damage fund” and “transition,” with a perspective centered on the rights of nature and the need to transform the exclusive and exploitative system in which we live. The presence of the Franciscan family was very enriching at the meeting because of its reflection on the eighth centenary of the Canticle of Brother Sun.