Pope Francis warns of pollution, agro-toxins and waste in Laudato Si, or “Praised Be,” the Roman Catholic Church’s first-ever encyclical on the environment. But the pope’s message may have its biggest impact on Latin America through its unflinching call to action against climate change. Francis terms global warming “one of the principal challenges facing humanity.” He describes it as “mainly a result of human activity,” and says its worst impacts “will probably be felt by developing countries.” The encyclical, issued on June 18, could carry considerable clout with Latin Americans not only because Pope Francis, an Argentine, is the first pope from the region or because Latin America is home to nearly 40% of the world’s Catholics, experts say. The message also stands... [Log in to read more]