April, 2019 (originally) April, 2015

His Holiness, Pope Francis

Apostolic Palace

Vatican City

Your Holiness:

Your leadership on climate issues has been inspirational. On this Earth Day, 2019, we write to respectfully ask you to consider an edict to modify the Code of Canon Law to require all Catholics to abstain from meat and fish every Friday throughout the year. Such a change would not only comport with historic Catholic traditions of abstinence on Fridays, but would have a significant impact on climate change.

According to a recent report by the thinktank Chatham House, consumption of meat is a major driver of climate change and results in more direct emissions than the global transportation sector. Leadership among the Catholics of the world for a once-a-week vegetarian diet could play a crucial role in transforming our existence on God’s earth to one of sustainability. A recent IPCC report suggests it is imperative that we have only 12 years to make significant changes in our energy consumption including dietary choices to save our climate. While IPCC is doubtful that diet can be influenced by policy, there is one person on the planet who can make that happen overnight. That person is Your Holiness.

Others, including the undersigned, will undoubtedly follow this Catholic Church leadership and understand not only the benefits to climate but also their personal health.  It will launch a new appreciation for vegetarianism and help Catholics and others to understand that a meat free diet can be fulfilling to body, soul and our planet.

With every good wish to Your Holiness, we the undersigned are, Sincerely Yours.