The Daily Mail reports that the pope has recently made a rather surprising statement on climate change, essentially casting doubt on the gloom and doom prophecies of global warming theory advocates. While he acknowledges that there is some truth in there, they say he thinks it's overhyped. I was kind of surprised to see the pope take a stand on this issue, but as it turns out, virtually none of this, as far as I can tell, is true.
I was tipped off by this column which while not entirely clear got me looking at the original text. The furthest the pope goes is when he says, "It is important for assessments in this regard to be carried out prudently, in dialogue with experts and people of wisdom, uninhibited by ideological pressure to draw hasty conclusions, and above all with the aim of reaching agreement on a model of sustainable development capable of ensuring the well-being of all while respecting environmental balances." That cuts both ways, though admittedly in the present context, one might assume he means don't draw global warming conclusions too hastily. Still, even if he does, what they say about this is an exaggeration.
Just goes to show you: Whenever the media reports on the pope or the church, you have to check it out.
He also emphasized that ecology should put humans ahead of plants and animals. I am glad to hear him say that.
