In Manilla, Pope Francis condemns mankind for destroying the environment

There's a new voice speaking out on climate change, as Pope Francis entered the ring, calling on mankind to fulfill the charge they were given by God to steward the world and all of creation.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Pope Francis made his remarks at a university in the capital of the Philippines, Manilla, on January 18, the last day of a week-long tour through Asia.

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He said that by actively destroying, or just allowing the destruction of nature, man was betraying God's call.

In an improvised speech Francis said that humans as "stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling," his prepared speech said.

To the gathered youth at the rally he said that "this country (the Philippines), more than many others, is likely to be seriously affected by climate change."

"Respect for the environment means more than simply using cleaner products or recycling what we use. These are important aspect, but not enough," he said. "We need to see, with the eyes of faith, the beauty of God's saving plan, the link between the natural environment and the dignity of the human person."

During his trip to the Philippines, Pope Francis made a visit to the city of Tacloban, one of the most devastated areas hit by Typhoon Haiyan in November of 2013. The storm killed at least 6,300 people and left millions homeless.

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During the plane trip which took him to Manila, Francis said that he did believe current climate change was primarily caused by actions of mankind, and that he hoped the U.N. climate meeting in Paris in November would take a powerful stand to protect the environment and the people of the world.

"I don't know if it is all [man's fault]," he said. "But the majority is, for the most part, it is man who continuously slaps nature in the face."

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