Vatican Asked Catholics to Divest From Fossil Fuels

The Vatican has asked Catholics to divest from fossil fuels and the armaments industry. The institution has also urged companies to monitor specific sectors such as mining and ensure that these are not engaging in environmental destruction.

The demand was made in a manual for church employees and leaders and commemorates the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si'. The encyclical emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable people, life and nature and expresses support for agreements on climate action. The manual sets up steps to achieve the aims of the encyclical, which includes tackling climate change and its consequences by divesting from corporations that damage the environment and violate human rights.

Last month 40 faith institutions worldwide, whereof more than half were Catholic, promised to divest from fossil fuel corporations. Many educational organisations and the Vatican Bank also assured that they have no investments in fossil fuels.

In addition to environmental action, the Vatican's manual calls on Catholics to defend the rights of local populations. This includes ensuring that people have a say in projects being completed on their land such as oil and mineral extraction and can take a stand against institutions that overexploit local resources and cause environmental damage.