Pope Francis says Earth is 'sick' in new climate change warning

Pope Francis urged people around the world on Friday to better protect the environment ahead of a 12-day trip to Southeast Asia next week, where the pontiff is expected to press for global action on climate change. "If we were to measure the temperature of the planet, it would tell us that the Earth has a fever. And she is sick," the Pope said in a video message. "We have to commit to... protecting nature, changing our personal and community habits."

Every month, Francis releases a video message in which he announces his prayer intentions for the given month. The intention for September is "for the crying of the Earth". (According to Reuters, more at reuters.com)