Fr Peter-John Pearson: Where SA and Vatican Stand Together

At the COP30 meeting in Belém, Brazil, in November, the Vatican and South Africa presented a strikingly aligned message: climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a deeply human one. According to Fr Peter-John Pearson, director of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office, both emphasised that the climate crisis directly impacts human dignity, rights, and the common good.

In a video message, Pope Leo XIV reminded delegates that vulnerable populations are already suffering from floods, droughts and extreme heat. South Africa stressed that African nations bear the brunt of climate impacts despite historically low emissions.

In statements issued before the conference, Minister Dion George highlighted the need for faster action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and for reform of international financial systems to provide long-term, affordable climate finance. “South Africa is ready to work with all nations to turn commitments into action and ambition into results,” he said.

In a briefing paper, Fr Pearson noted that both South Africa and the Vatican see climate action as inseparable from justice: Pope Leo XIV calls for protection of the poor, indigenous peoples, and future generations, while South Africa insists that developing nations cannot shoulder the burden of transition without equitable support. Both emphasise multilateralism as essential. “No nation can face it alone,” South Africa argues, while the Vatican stresses “cohesive and forward-looking international cooperation” as the only way to reduce emissions and support vulnerable countries.

Yet, Fr Pearson observed, COP30 was also a stage for contested issues. Economic responsibility, finance, and fairness remain critical. Wealthier nations carry a moral obligation for historical emissions, while developing nations demand transparency and equitable support. Controversies over trade measures linked to climate policy, reporting on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and achieving the 1.5°C target illustrate how technical and moral debates intersect.

Fr Pearson highlighted that shared advocacy between two very different entities — South Africa and the Vatican — offers a model for coalition building. “Understanding what fosters or hinders policy change is an urgent priority,” he wrote. By aligning on values such as human-centred policy, justice, equity and solidarity, diverse actors can influence negotiations even without complete agreement on every detail.

The principle of justice runs through both the Vatican and South Africa’s approach. Pope Leo XIV has warned against the “dictatorship of economic inequality” and called for the Church to support migrants and dismantle unjust economic structures. Similarly, South Africa insists that economic transformation must not sacrifice human dignity or social cohesion. Both see the moral dimension as inseparable from the technical: financial, technological, and policy measures must be implemented to protect the most vulnerable.

Fr Pearson emphasised that the convergence of moral urgency and scientific evidence gives weight to advocacy. Shared positions on climate justice, multilateralism and people-centred action can amplify the pressure on negotiators. He noted that the Vatican and South Africa’s joint voice demonstrates that advocacy need not depend on total alignment in every policy detail, but on shared ethical priorities.

For Fr Pearson, one of the most pressing lessons of COP30 is clear: words are not enough. “Strong leadership and concrete actions are essential.” Both the Vatican and South Africa are pushing for a human-centred international financial architecture that ensures poorer countries can access the resources they need, while linking ecological responsibility to broader economic fairness.

“Shared advocacy has huge potential to drive values forward and solidify them for the good of all,” Fr Pearson said.