“Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativise the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident. No one can ignore the fact that in recent years we have witnessed extreme weather phenomena, frequent periods of unusual heat, drought and other cries of protest on the part of the earth that are only a few palpable expressions of a silent disease that affects everyone. … I ask everyone to accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world that is our home and to help make it more beautiful.” – Pope Francis in a statement in the lead up to COP28, Dubai 2023, in which he called on world leaders to increase the pace of the fight against climate change, warning some areas of climate change are already irreversible.