Licypriya meets Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2024: 12-year-old Indian climate and environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam met Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican's Head Pope Francis in Rome yesterday.

Licypriya, who is in Rome, Italy attending the first World Children's Day, discussed a wide range of issues including climate change, the conflict in Manipur and the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Gaza because of Israel's war against Hamas.

She urged the Pope and Italy Prime Minister to provide special humanitarian support to the victims of Manipur violence.

Manipur has been besieged by conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 3, 2023 .

Hundreds of houses have been burnt and more than 60,000 have been displaced.

Licypriya was invited to the World Children's Day celebration graced by Pope Francis as a special guest on behalf of all the children of the world.

During the meeting with the Pope, Licypriya discussed the urgency to fight the global climate crisis and the need for urgent climate finance by rich Nations to pay for the loss and damage to the poor developing Nations.

She stressed that climate education must be mandatory in every school education curriculum in all the catholic schools around the world to fight climate change from the grassroots.

Licypriya also briefed the Italian Prime Minister and the Pope about the root cause of Manipur's conflict and urged them to provide a special financial package to rebuild the communities, and initiate a massive afforestation programme in Manipur.

Manipur has lost several hectares of forest land to deforestation and illegal poppy cultivation.

The Pope assured Licypriya of full support in the cause she is fighting for.

This was the second time Licypriya has met with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

She met the leaders for the first time last year.

"My meeting [with the world leaders] will strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

It will help boost the fight to save our planet, and for humanity with the blessing of His Holiness Pope Francis," Licypriya said.

Italy must stand with humanity and should support the United Nations in stopping Israel's genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza, Licypriya told media persons after meeting the Pope.

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