The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is set to release his letter to bishops regarding faith and climate change. The much-anticipated papal message, however, is already facing stiff opposition from groups who argue that the environmental issue is nothing more than a hoax.
According to reports, the June 18 encyclical from Pope Francis will contain references about theology and the connection between man and the environment as stated in Biblical texts. The letter is expected to drive home the message that Catholics are morally obligated to protect the environment as it is a gift from God.
Theology professor Catherine Clifford from Canada's St. Paul University explained that the Pope's encyclical will break new ground concerning the issue of climate change.
"He's saying this is the issue - one of the important issues of our times and he wants to put it on the front burner for all Catholics around the world," Clifford pointed out.
"The fact that any bishop of Rome wants to speak about this question in our time is really crucial."
Pope Francis' message is also expected to assert the point that poor people in developed countries should not be made to shoulder the responsibility of adapting to the adverse effects of changes in the climate such as extreme weather.
Josianne Gauthier, a member of the Canadian Catholics for Development and Peace, said that the issue is about poverty and justice.
"It's impacting on the poorest of the world, who have had very little to do with the causes of climate change but who are suffering the highest impacts," Gauthier said.
"We're looking to Pope Francis to be that voice of the poorest, putting a human face on climate change."
However, the role of Pope Francis in talks concerning climate change has been challenged by various groups, including several members of the United States Congress.
James Inhofe, the Republican representative from Oklahoma, has now become one of the most vocal opponents of the involvement of the Catholic Church in the issue of climate change.
In his message during a conference of climate change critics, Inhofe, who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, told Pope Francis to not meddle in talks and that he should just mind his own business.
"Everyone is going to ride the Pope now. Isn't that wonderful," Inhofe said. "The pope ought to stay with his job, and we'll stay with ours."
Climate change has been a part of talks within the Catholic Church for years, dating back to 1971.
During his papacy, Pope John Paul II spoke about the concept of "human ecology" and the sacred earth.
In 2001, the Conference of Catholic Bishop in the United States released a 5,100-word letter urging the faithful on the importance of addressing climate change concerns.
It is believed that Pope Francis hopes to utilize all previous doctrines on climate change to remind the faithful about the environmental issue.
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