The Amazon is the heart of our planet

Pope Francis said yesterday that the Amazon rainforest is vital to our planet and asked for prayers so that the fires that are there are soon stifled.

The pontiff has joined the international concern that fires in Brazil will have serious repercussions on the global environment.

Francisco told people gathered in Plaza de San Pedro that "we are all worried" about the fires. He added that "the Amazon is the lung of our planet". "Pray that, thanks to the efforts of everyone, the fires are controlled as soon as possible," said the pontiff.

The satellite monitors of the Brazilian government have recorded more than 41,000 fires in the Amazon region since the beginning of the year, of which more than half only this month. Experts say the majority is caused by farmers or ranchers who clean up existing farmland. But the same watchdog also reported a sharp increase in deforestation this year.

The fires sparked demonstrations against the Brazilian government and became an urgent issue at the Group of Seven summit currently taking place in France. Supported by army planes, Brazilian soldiers were deployed Saturday in the Amazon to fight against fires. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also tried to alleviate the worries of the planet and said previously deforested areas had been burned and the intact jungle had been saved. Fires were also a topic of conversation at the G7 summit in France.

French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday that the leaders of the major democracies were about to reach an agreement on how to fight fires and repair the damage. He added that the pact would involve technical and financial mechanisms "so that we can help them as efficiently as possible". However, it is not clear whether Brazil would accept help. Bolsonaro, who has often advocated further development in the Amazon, has had disputes with Macron, whose office said Friday that the Brazilian leader had "lied" to the French president about environmental commitments.

When asked if he would talk to Macron, Bolsonaro said on Saturday: "If he calls me, I'll answer." I'm extremely polite to him, even though he's not sure. called him a liar. "