Pope warns of ‘uncontrolled consumption of resources,’ challenges to waste disposal

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday warned of the urgency of the current ecological crisis during an audience at the Vatican with a delegation from the Hera Group, an Italian conglomerate specializing in environmental services, waste management, integrated water systems, and energy.

“The ecological challenge of our time is, in fact, more urgent than ever. On the one hand, we are witnessing the uncontrolled consumption of resources; on the other, the management and disposal of enormous quantities of waste are becoming increasingly problematic,” he cautioned on Oct. 1.

Leo XIV also recalled that, for Christians, care for creation is part of a moral responsibility.

“As Christians, we cannot resign ourselves to accepting the throwaway culture; rather, we are called to make wise use of creation,” he stressed.

“To avoid considering every used object as mere waste, it is necessary to change our behavior and commit ourselves to taking a different path. In essence, this means overcoming the consumerist model and moving toward a productive system capable of preserving the limited goods of our planet,” the pontiff said.

Leo XIV praised the company’s work in the field of recycling, an activity that, in his view, “demonstrates that it is possible to commit ourselves in this direction.”

As part of its collaboration on environmental sustainability and the circular economy, the Hera Group donated to Vatican City State in April a fully electric truck with a range of 60 kilometers (about 37 miles), which is used to collect waste within Vatican territory.

“The work you carry out, including here in the Vatican, bears witness to the fact that the culture of waste can be successfully opposed by a culture of care. This culture is not limited simply to objects and products but extends from them to human labor, and from labor to persons. For it is we who inhabit the world and who, through our decisions and behavior, live in it as a gift from God,” he said from the Apostolic Palace.

The Holy Father also thanked the company for its commitment to environmental protection: “I am grateful for the work you do in seeking to contribute to the care of our common home, and I encourage you to continue in this commitment.”

The pope also cited Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which states that “the model of recycling and circular production is a good path for ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.”

“It is important to set an example of consistency: The Church must be the first to put into practice what she herself proclaims,” he added.

“Through our synergy, we will be able to make the home we all share ever more beautiful and welcoming,” Leo concluded.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.