Welcome the Pope, the latest entrant in the climate change movement. Pope Benedict XVI told reporters he wants to “wake up consciences” on climate change.

We have to give impulse to rediscovering our responsibility and to finding an ethical way to change our way of life.

On a flight to Sydney, earlier today (Saturday, July 12th), on a pilgrimage to Australia, the Pope met with reporters aboard the papal plane. In response to a question about climate change, following discussions on the environment during this month’s Group of Eight (G8) summit in Japan, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of a need to, “wake up consciences.”

He also spoke of the importance of solidarity in our efforts:

Politicians and experts must be capable of responding to the great ecological challenge and to be up to the task of this challenge.

This is big news. Hopefully, Benedict’s declaration will heal the divide and squelch the debate of climate change being a “liberal” or “conservative” issue. It’s the earth.

“We have our responsibilities toward Creation,” Benedict said.

Simple wisdom. I’m inclined to agree.