I don’t think the Pope should be involving himself in something like this. If he wishes to tell the flock to do their best to be good citizens, I don’t have a problem with it. His views are important to his people. I don’t think he should try to drive public policy.
The information on this is just too spotty. There’s no consensus that the planet is doing anything other than just what it always has.
It’s unfortunate for him to have done this IMO.
I don’t understand his interest in this issue. However, it is unlikely that I will ever be Pope. Mes regrets.