In his keynote speech at the Vatican’s Climate Summit, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized former President Donald Trump for his close ties with big oil companies, accusing him of “open corruption.” Newsom highlighted the role of fossil fuel companies in perpetuating the climate crisis by lying, deceiving, and delaying advancements in environmental progress. He called out Trump for reportedly asking oil executives for $1 billion to roll back environmental progress made by the Biden administration.
The Vatican summit, organized by Pope Francis, focused on climate resilience and the importance of partnerships between researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to address environmental issues. Newsom praised California’s progressive green energy policies and significant investments in climate change initiatives, but an analysis by Beacon Economics suggested the state needs to triple its rate of reduction of greenhouse gases to meet its climate change mandates by 2030. Despite this, Newsom’s office remains confident in California’s ability to meet its goals.
Newsom’s invitation to speak at the Vatican event raised eyebrows due to his social progressive policies, particularly in areas where they conflict with the Catholic Church’s teachings. Notably, Newsom made California the first “sanctuary state” for transgender children seeking sex-change surgeries, a policy that goes against the Church’s stance on gender theory. Pope Francis has also addressed conservative opposition to changes in Church teachings, describing it as a “suicidal attitude” that hinders progress and adaptability.
In an interview, Pope Francis defended the Vatican’s endorsement of blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships, criticizing conservative bishops who oppose revisiting Church teachings and traditions. He emphasized the need to consider new perspectives and adapt to changing societal norms, rather than clinging rigidly to tradition. The Vatican is preparing a document on “immoral tendencies,” including gender theory and surrogacy, further indicating a shift towards more progressive stances under Francis’ leadership.
The tensions between Newsom’s progressive policies and the Catholic Church’s doctrines were highlighted during the Vatican summit where he spoke. Despite ideological differences, Newsom has championed California as a leader in environmental initiatives and renewable energy, emphasizing the state’s commitment to sustainability. The Pope’s comments on conservative resistance to change within the Church reflect a broader debate over tradition and adaptability, with implications for how institutions like the Catholic Church respond to evolving social and environmental challenges.
Overall, the Vatican’s Climate Summit provided a platform for discussions on climate resilience, the role of partnerships in addressing environmental issues, and the importance of progressive policies in combating climate change. Governor Newsom’s outspoken remarks against big oil companies and former President Trump’s alleged corruption underscored the urgency of taking action to address the climate crisis. The tensions between social progressivism and traditional religious doctrines were evident in discussions around gender theory and LGBTQ rights, reflecting broader debates within institutions like the Catholic Church on adapting to changing realities.
