Oxford's 'Pilgrimage for the Planet' for climate crisis

The two-hour walk, which took place on Sunday, September 15, at 11.30am, saw participants walk around eight Oxford landmarks.

The pilgrimage began at Blackfriars Priory in St Giles and was part of a nationwide initiative organised by Christian Climate Action.

The Pilgrimage for the Planet through Oxford (Image: James Grote) The Oxford Laudato Si Circle, part of the International Laudato Si Movement of Catholics for our Common Home, co-organised the event.

The walk comes after 2023 was the hottest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organisation.

June was also the hottest on record, marking the 13th consecutive month of global temperature records, which led to severe wildfires, record temperatures, and flooding around the world.

The Pilgrimage for the Planet through Oxford (Image: James Grote) The organisers said: "Climate change is the defining issue of our time, caused primarily by burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

"We need to invest in renewable energy and cherish our natural habitat.

"We are walking and praying together in a collective push to protect our one and only world."

The Pilgrimage for the Planet through Oxford (Image: James Grote) Poet Stephen Micalef, who joined the pilgrimage, said: "Big Oil joy riders are destroying our planet.

"Our pilgrimage bears witness to the divinity of God’s Earth - our Common Home - and our need to nurture its continued fertility and wellbeing for the good of our children and our children's children."