Live Roundups Editor's Desk Insights Executive Ops Weather About 🔍
Home › Environment › Pope decries ‘unscrupulous’ polluters at deadly,...
Environment

Pope decries ‘unscrupulous’ polluters at deadly, mafia-linked dumping ground

The Guardian World Saturday 23 May 2026, 10:11 UTC By Associated Press in Acerra 1 min read
Key Points

Pope Leo visited the Terra dei Fuochi, an area near Naples, to address the deadly consequences of illegal toxic dumping. The site, known as the 'Land of Fires', has been linked to a multi-billion-euro mafia criminal racket, causing increased rates of cancer and other illnesses among local families. His visit underscores a commitment to environmental issues, continuing the agenda set by Pope Francis.

Pontiff visits ‘Land of Fires’ where dumping, burial and burning of waste has caused rise in cancer and other illnesses

Pope Leo has met Italian families whose loved ones have died or have cancer as a result of illegal toxic dumping linked to a multi-billion-euro criminal racket run by the mafia.

Leo’s visit to the Terra dei Fuochi, or Land of Fires, near Naples, came on the eve of the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis’ big ecological encyclical, Laudato Si (Praised Be), and indicates Leo’s commitment to carry on his predecessor’s environmental agenda.

Continue reading...
Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

Related Stories

Deepest and most extensive whale graveyard discovered in Indian Ocean

Some remains found in Diamantina fracture zone date back more than 5m years and reveal species and ecosystems unknown to scienceThe oldest, deepest and most extensive whale graveyard yet discovered has been found in the south-eastern Indian Ocean, with fossils dating back more than 5m years. Whale falls – the term for dead whales that sink to the ocean floor – are not uncommon, but most have been found at depths of less than 4km (2.5 miles). By contrast, the newly discovered necropolis...

The Guardian UK 47m ago

[Written Question] Carbon Emissions: Consumer Goods

Question by: James McMurdock Answering Body: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of imported embodied emissions on the competitiveness of UK industry.

UK Parliament Written Questions 1h ago

[Written Question] Water: Conservation

Question by: Bob Blackman Answering Body: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to introduce mandatory water efficiency requirements for (a) data centres and (b) other large non-household users.

UK Parliament Written Questions 1h ago

Countries pledge €3.4bn for climate adaptation, biodiversity protection and water security

Representatives from 186 nations agreed the Global Environment Facility fund, which will support projects in 144 countries.

Euronews 2h ago