This past weekend, Pope Benedict spoke out in defense of the environment at the “Saving Creation Day” in Loreto, Italy. Speaking at the end of today’s general audience, the Pope turned his attention to protecting Creation again.

Benedict XVI mentioned in particular, an international symposium on the defense of the Arctic, which begins tomorrow on the west coast of Greenland under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The theme of the meeting is: "The Arctic: Mirror of Life."

Speaking in English, the Pope said: "Care of water resources and attention to climate change are matters of grave importance for the entire human family. Encouraged by the growing recognition of the need to preserve the environment, I invite all of you to join me in praying and working for greater respect for the wonders of God's creation."