At a time of increasing urbanization, the "irreplaceable importance" of forests is being "taken for granted and underestimated," the Vatican's secretary of state said Sept. 23 at a high-level meeting at the United Nations.

But the Pan-Amazon Synod’s organizers say much of the unhappiness with the its working document simply reflects Eurocentricism. Many critics “have little knowledge of the Amazon and in some cases have no commitment to its people.”

In all three countries, Pope Francis pleaded for protection of the environment. Mining by foreign companies to extract precious minerals has been a major problem in Madagascar and Mozambique. In Madagascar, deforestation is especially a threat.

Integral ecology requires a cultural and spiritual conversion built on a "culture of encounter."

In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, Bahamian officials fear that great numbers of people could have been swept away into the sea to their deaths, leaving the official count unknowable.

Four Massachusetts Catholic bishops warned of environmental red flags documented by scientists and urged a change in behaviors in a Sept. 16 statement calling for substantial changes to safeguard creation.