Governor Gavin Newsom of California has been invited to the Vatican’s annual climate change summit in mid-May, despite his support for progressive policies that contradict Catholic Church teachings. Newsom’s invitation to the summit has drawn criticism from some who believe it legitimizes his policies, which they argue are harmful to children and families.
Newsom has been a strong advocate for transgender surgeries for minors and has led a nationwide pro-abortion ad campaign. The Vatican’s invitation to the summit has been met with criticism from some who believe it legitimizes Newsom’s policies, which they argue are harmful to children and families.
The Vatican has not responded to Fox News Digital’s multiple requests for comment by press deadline.
Newsom has long been at odds with the Catholic Church over social issues. In 2019, he signed a bill into law that allows minors to obtain gender-affirming surgery without parental consent. He has also been a vocal supporter of abortion rights, and has pledged to make California a sanctuary state for people seeking abortions.
The Vatican’s invitation to Newsom comes as the Catholic Church is facing increasing pressure to address climate change. Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for action on climate change, and has called on world leaders to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The summit, which was spearheaded by Pope Francis in 2022 after he deemed climate change an “ecological sin” caused by human negligence, is organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. According to the academy, so-called climate resilience “requires both cross-disciplinary partnerships among researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, as well as [transdisciplinary] partnerships between science and community leaders including faith leaders, NGOs, and the public.”
“Mayors and Governors form the core of such transdisciplinary partnerships,” it says on its website.
