These nine Argentine adventurers, who are mostly military personal, are set to make a symbolic feat: they will bring the Pope's encyclical, 'Laudato Si' to a particularly devastated geographical point in the world with an urgent need for attention: The North Pole.
They have spent months training. We were able to contact them via Skype in the Arctic base camp where they waited for good weather conditions and mapped out logistics in order to walk the last 74 miles before reaching the northernmost point of the planet.
SANTIAGO TITO
President, Foundation Criteria
'The consequences of climate change are very extreme in Argentina. We are experiencing flooding, our glaciers are shrinking.â?
They will face temperatures of 40 degrees below zero, they should keep their bodies in constant motion so that their extremities do not freeze. They also have to be watchful of how much they are consuming, as they have to eat at least 6,500 calories a day or more to reach their goal.
The expedition has been funded by two foundations: Criteria, committed to the causes that promote global security, and Scholas Occurrentes, committed to the education of young people.
JOSE MARIA DEL CORRAL
President, Scholas Occurrentes
'There is no better place to take this leap of faith, this calling, on behalf of Pope Francis through his 'Laudato Si' than this expedition to the North Pole. It is an indicator of the consequences of global warming and environmental suffering. Something that the Pope, himself says, we must return to humanize the planet.â?
The trip has its risks but their decision to carry it out is cemented into them. The expedition could last between a week to 10 days, depending on weather conditions or if they suffer any injuries.
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