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Colorado Catholics Applaud Pope Francis' Fight On Climate Change

DENVER (CBS4) - Pope Francis is calling for a cultural revolution to fight climate change in a sweeping 200-page manifesto and getting support from Catholic bishops and Catholics in Colorado.

The leader of the Catholic Church released an encyclical on the environment called "Laudato Si," translated to "Praised Be." In it, he blames global warming on an unfair fossil-fuel based model, one that he says harms the poor the most.

The Pope says more fully caring for God's creation, a gift that must be treasured, will help real people.

He states that, "Efforts to promote a sustainable use of natural resources are not a waste of money, but rather an investment capable of providing other economic benefits in the medium term."

The Pope calls on all people, not just those of faith, and wants the decision makers at upcoming UN climate meetings to hear both the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.

The Colorado Catholic Conference applauded the Pope's stance, and hopes that it "will motivate the many interested parties in Colorado … to protect the precious gift of creation that we have been given."

The conference also said that at the end of the day it may seem like an overwhelming task but as Americans and Coloradans, one that is likely to be met.

Catholic moms with Colorado Moms Know Best also celebrated the papal encyclical on reversing climate change.

"As a Catholic, I believe we have a moral obligation to protect the health of all people and be faithful stewards of Creation," said Robin Odoisio, a mom with Colorado Moms Know Best, in a statement. "Carbon pollution is not only making our kids sick with asthma and other illnesses, it's driving climate change that's causing hardship for children and families all over the globe."

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