Pope Francis emphasized today, Sunday, that "the extreme heat waves affecting many regions of the world, as well as the floods in countries like South Korea, demonstrate the urgent need for more immediate action to combat climate change." He stated at the end of his sermon to the crowds in St. Peter's Square: "I renew my appeal to world leaders to take more concrete action to reduce polluting emissions." He added: "This is an urgent challenge that cannot be postponed and concerns everyone. Let us protect our common home."