Addressing a high-level UN meeting on energy, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher called for access to electricity for the 759 million people who lack it.

“Instilling respect for local cultures and ensuring that they are able to manage and maintain their own energy resources, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, are vital and will prevent exploitative dependencies on large energy networks and bureaucracies,” said the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States. “As we collectively strive to ensure energy access for all, we must take into account the resulting impact on the environment. . . . The transition to accessible and clean energy is a duty that we owe to millions of our brothers and sisters around the world.”