Vatican Highlights Animal Conservation Efforts With Gorgeous St. Peter’s Display

To coincide with the COP21, climate change conference happening in Paris, France, the Vatican on Tuesday night presented a large-scale light display to draw attention to the threats of some endangered species.

St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday became an enormous projector screen for an art display showing numerous endangered species, which are under threat from hunting and poaching, deforestation, climate change, and other human-caused threats.

The papal enclave was adorned with huge images of animals, such as lions, leopards, tigers, monkeys, several lizards, and butterflies, among others.

The display attracted thousands of viewers, who snapped photos and videos of the show.

Pope Francis has been a vocal proponent of addressing the issue of climate change, often denouncing economies who rely heavily on the burning of fossil fuels, as well as criticizing politicians who deny climate change.

During the pope’s visit to the United States this summer, Francis spoke directly about climate change during a White House speech in front of President Barack Obama.

“Climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation,” said the pope.

“Mr. President, I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution. … I would like all men and women of goodwill in this great nation to support the efforts of the international community to protect the vulnerable in our world and to stimulate integral and inclusive models of development, so that our brothers and sisters everywhere may know the blessings of peace and prosperity which God wills for all his children.”

Watch a video of the St. Peter’s Basilica art display below.