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Laudato Si’ Movement calls for a just fossil-fuel transition as COP31 opens

9 November 2026

ANTALYA, TÜRKIYE | 9 November 2026 — As COP31 opens, Laudato Si’ Movement

(LSM) urges governments to put justice at the heart of climate action: agree on concrete pathways away from coal, oil and gas, tax fossil-fuel profits to support affected communities, and ensure that those living with the consequences of climate change have a meaningful voice in decisions.

“The climate crisis is not only an environmental emergency. It is a question of justice, human dignity, and our shared responsibility to one another. At Laudato Si’ Movement, we believe that real change happens when we build strong partnerships, bring communities together, and work toward a common purpose. At COP31, governments, faith communities, and civil society must work together to turn commitments into concrete action, ensuring that those who have contributed least to the climate crisis are not left to bear its greatest burdens,” said Ashley Kitisya, Africa Regional Director at Laudato Si’ Movement and LSM representative at COP31.

A fair transition must deliver affordable renewable energy, protect workers and communities, and provide adequate grant-based finance for developing countries. Wealthier nations must move first and fastest, while polluters bear the costs, not vulnerable households.

Through the Europe Be Faithful for Our Common Home campaign, LSM and its partners are calling on European leaders to match their climate commitments with policies and financing that advance a just transition at home and internationally.

LSM also calls for reform of the UNFCCC process to safeguard meaningful civil society participation, strengthen transparency and accountability, and protect climate policymaking from fossil-fuel interests.

From global commitments to community-led action

Laudato Si’ Movement is participating in COP31 to contribute to the global climate dialogue, advocate for meaningful change, and ensure that the voices and experiences of affected communities are heard in decision-making spaces. Working alongside faith-based organizations and civil society partners, LSM seeks to connect global commitments with local realities while accompanying its members and communities in their journeys of ecological conversion and climate action.

Rooted in the Catholic commitment to care for our common home, LSM is mobilizing faith communities across continents through prayer, public witness, and advocacy. From vigils in Canada and France to climate marches in Europe and Kenya, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to climate justice.

Through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and Peoples’ Determined Contributions, LSM also highlights community-led initiatives that demonstrate how local action can contribute to global climate goals while calling for greater ambition and accountability from governments.

At COP31, LSM’s message is clear: listen to affected communities, engage in genuine dialogue, and turn commitments into measurable action. Its presence reflects a commitment not only to advocate for change, but also to help make it possible through partnerships, solidarity, and collective action.

Mobilization & Action Highlights

France | Prayer Vigil Toolkit

In partnership with the French Bishops’ Conference, LSM has developed a ready-to-use toolkit to help communities organize local prayer vigils throughout COP31, bringing people together in prayer and solidarity for our common home.

Canada | Candles for COP31 (November 9 and 12)

In partnership with For the Love of Creation, LSM is supporting Candles for COP31, an online prayer vigil for climate justice on November 9, followed by an in-person gathering in Toronto on November 12.

Learn more about Candles for COP31

Ireland & France | Climate Marches (November 14)

Laudato Si’ Animators in Ireland and France will join climate marches, standing alongside civil society organizations and local communities to call for a just transition away from fossil fuels.

Kenya | COP31 People’s March and Town Hall (November 14)

In Nairobi, Laudato Si’ Movement will collaborate with 350.org, JPIC Franciscans Africa,

Greenpeace, CAN Eastern Africa, Kenya Wildlife Service, and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa to organize a COP31 People’s March and Town Hall, creating space for public dialogue, community participation, and collective calls for climate action.

Follow LSM at COP31

For the latest news, advocacy updates, community stories, and mobilization activities throughout COP31, visit our dedicated COP31 webpage.

Press contact  

Global News – Susana Salguero – susana@laudatosimovement.org 

Antalya, Türkiye – Ashley Kitisya – ashley@laudatosimovement.org 

Europe – Maria Chiara De Lorenzo – mariachiara.d@laudatosimovement.org 

South Africa – Mwenya Chitambala -mwenya@laudatosimovement.og

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