Francis zeroed in on endemic corruption, linking it with persistent, long-term poverty as well as poaching and illegal exports of natural resources. Addressing Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina, his cabinet and other officials, Francis said some people were profiting from excessive deforestation and the associated loss of species. "The deterioration of that biodiversity compromises the future of the country and of the earth, our common home," he said.
Following recent huge fires in the Amazon region, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro rejected international criticism about his policy to expand farmland, saying it was a domestic issue. "The last forests are menaced by forest fires, poaching, the unrestricted cutting down of valuable woodlands. Plant and animal biodiversity is endangered by contraband and illegal exportation," Pope Francis said.
Jobs must be created for people whose livelihood harms the environment so they will not see it as their only means of survival, the pontiff added. "There can be no true ecological approach or effective efforts to safeguard the environment without the attainment of a social justice capable of respecting the right to the common destination of the Earth's goods, not only of present generations, but also of those yet to come," he said.
The Amazon fires have lent new urgency to Francis's calls to protect nature, tackle climate change and promote sustainable development - all themes enshrined in his 2015 encyclical on environmental protection. Madagascar is one of world's poorest countries. The UN Nations World Food Program estimates that more than 90% of its population of 26 million live on less than $2 a day, with chronic child malnutrition widespread.