GLASGOW (REUTERS) - Pope Francis said on Tuesday (Nov 2) that the twin wounds inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change were comparable to those caused by a global conflict and should be confronted in the same way.

In a message to the United Nations COP26 climate talks in Glasgow read by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope also said rich countries had an outstanding "ecological debt" with poorer countries because of the disproportionate use of natural resources from developing nations by advanced ones.

He called for the implementation of collegial and farsighted action "as in the aftermath" of World War II, in which nations showed solidarity and cooperation for the good of all, particularly the weakest.

Countries with greater means should take the lead in "decarbonisation in the economic system and in people's lives" and provide more support for the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

He urged rich countries to make amends for the "disproportionate use of the natural resources of one's own and of other countries".

"Now is the time to act, urgently, courageously and responsibly," the Pope said.

"The young, who in recent years have strongly urged us to act, will only inherit the planet we choose to leave to them, based on the concrete choices we make today. Now is the moment for decisions that can provide them with reasons for hope and trust in the future," he added.

The 84-year-old pope, who has made protection of the environment a cornerstone of his pontificate, had said several times that he hoped to attend COP26, but the Vatican announced on Oct 8 that Cardinal Parolin would head its delegation. It gave no explanation.