Maybe you've heard or read about this since it's older news, but I wanted to share anyway. Pope Benedict XVI is having photovoltaic solar panels installed on the roof of the Paul VI auditorium. The roofing needs replacing anyway, and so next year solar panels will be installed. They will power the auditorium and extra energy from when the building is not being used will go into the Vatican power grid. This is only the beginning, apparently; the Vatican is looking into further conversion to solar power.
The Pope has been quoted as criticising the "unbalanced use of energy" in the world and has commented on the effects of environmental damage on the world's poor.
I was so thrilled when I first read about this. As a lifelong Catholic, I sometimes have to defend my faith and do have some qualms about certain teachings. The Church certainly has trouble getting the greater populace to agree with it on social issues, but here it is setting an example for renewable energy use.
I have had my fair share of arguments with religious people who don't think environmental damage is a problem. I tell them, if this planet is a gift from God, shouldn't we take care of it? Regardless of what you believe, I think the Vatican is doing a great thing by moving toward renewable energy, especially since it is a source of inspiration for so many people.
Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6725109.stm
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That's awesome! Way to go Benedict! It's about time the Catholic Church get some good publicity, eh?
Thanks for reporting! Read some about Christianity and ecology @ this post of mine. I noticed how down with sustainability catholicism is. Jeebus! http://www.progressiveu.org/183706-family-values-and-ecosystem-interlace...
Every organism's heartbeat holds a universe of beauty at http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/green-underbelly
This seems like a strange mix, but it actually makes a lot of sense. The Roman Catholic church (through Catholic Charities, the Knights of Columbus, and many, many other organizations) is likely the largest charitable organization in the world (perhaps the 2nd largest charitable or non-charitable worldwide after the United States of America). The Roman Catholic church is not one to beat its own drum, and does not seek media attention for all that it does (unfortunately the media appears to give generous attention to its faults ... but the church is, after all, made of humans together with all our faults). But, I digress ... back to the subject. As a large charitable organization, with a strange mix of conservative idealogy and liberal beliefs, it makes perfect sense for the church to work towards sustainability in regards to energy use - experience gained through the use of solar energy in the Vatican can be used throughout the world to help others - and helping others is what the church is all about. Should energy be their primary focus? Well, of course not ... but it is a tool to help others, along the same lines as providing food, providing clothing, providing shelter ... providing energy. Another tool in the arsenal of humanity. Way to go Pope Ben!