杏MAP导航

By Vatican News

At the Angelus on Sunday, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted the universal concern for the 鈥渧ast fires鈥� that are raging throughout the Amazon region. The Holy Father prayed that, 鈥渨ith the commitment of all,鈥� the fires 鈥渕ight be contained as soon as possible.鈥�

鈥淭hat forest lung is vital for our planet,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said.

Army depolyed to fight fires

Brazilian state experts reported nearly 77,000 wildfires across the country so far in 2019, an increase of 85% over the same period in 2018. More than half of those fires occurred in the Amazon region.

On Saturday, Brazilian troops on Saturday were deploying in the Amazon to fight the fires. President Jair Bolsonaro tried to temper global concern, saying that previously deforested areas had burned and that intact rainforest was spared. Some 44,000 troops will be available for "unprecedented" operations to put out the fires, and forces are heading to six Brazilian states that asked for federal help, Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo said.

The Brazilian military operations came after widespread criticism of Bolsonaro's handling of the situation. On Friday, the president authorized the armed forces to put out fires, saying he is committed to protecting the Amazon region.

Growing concern

The large number of fires in the Amazon has prompted anti-government protests as well as an international outcry. In a statement issued last week, the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAM) express their deep concern for destructive fires burning the world鈥檚 forests.

The Bishops called on the governments of Amazon countries, the United Nations and the international community to help 鈥渟ave the lungs of the world.鈥� Quoting a homily by 杏MAP导航 Francis, the Bishops urged all those who occupy positions of responsibility  to be 鈥渃ustodians of creation, of God鈥檚 design inscribed in nature, guardians of the other, of the environment鈥� and to 鈥渘ot allow the signs of destruction and death accompany the path of this in our world鈥� 鈥� because, they say, 鈥渋f the Amazon suffers, the world suffers鈥�.