On May 23, Pope Leo XIV visited the area known as the “Land of Fires”—specifically Acerra, a city near Naples that has been severely affected for decades by illegal dumping and the burning of toxic waste by the mafia.
Many inhabitants of the region have died from diseases caused by environmental pollution. The pope met with the families of victims at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and told them this…
POPE LEO XIV
In fact, the cry of creation and of the poor among you has been felt more dramatically, due to a deadly concentration of dark interests and indifference toward the common good, which has poisoned the natural and social environment. It is a cry that calls for conversion!
This visit was framed within the spirit of the encyclical Laudato Si, which was written by Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis.
POPE LEO XIV
The constant invitation of Pope Francis to be a Church that goes forth, missionary and synodal. Walking together, overcoming self-centeredness, daring prophecy despite resistance and threats is what the Lord asks of us and what His Spirit inspires
Pope Leo encouraged the local citizens not to become despondent and to take responsibility, stating that pollution is not only an issue of the environment, but also a humane and spiritual matter.
It was visit to the social peripheries in the name of human dignity—in this case, a periphery marked by pollution, poverty, and organized crime.
