Pope gives blessing to “Save Bees and Farmers” Citizens Initiative

Today, representatives of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Save Bees and Farmers” met with Pope Francis in Rome. South-Tyrolean organic farmer and beekeeper Annemarie Gluderer handed the message to the Holy Father and he thanked her and gave his blessing.

The Citizens’ Initiative calls for an end to pesticides and restoration of biodiversity in the EU. Farmers should be encouraged to work with and not against nature. Already 750.000 Europeans have signed this formal call. If the 1 Million is reached by September 30th the EU Commission will be obliged to put forward a proposal to the European Parliament.

In his earlier Laudato Si in Care for our common Home in 2015 Pope Francis said: “Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost for ever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity“. (Encyclical letter Laudato Si of the Holy Father Francis in Care for our common home)

EU citizens are asked to sign the call at www.savebeesandfarmers.eu before the 30th of September.