Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is in Rome this morning (Tues.) for the first ever gathering of mayors at the Vatican.
They’re there to discuss human trafficking – as well as climate change and the role of cities in fighting it.
Murray joins mayors from New York City, Boston, San Francisco and Portland as well as Mexico City, Berlin and Oslo, among others. Pope Francis invited the municipal leaders, calling for a renewed international conversation about ending social and environmental exploitation.
Mayor Murray is speaking about Seattle’s efforts to prepare for and adapt to climate change. A city news release says his focus is on “how cities can lead the way on equity and environmental justice, to ensure that the benefits of progressive policies reach all in the community.”
He’s planning to talk up a new Seattle initiative that aims to address the disproportionate effects of climate-related pollution on low-income families and communities of color.
The visit takes place at no cost to the city; the mayor’s airfare and accommodations will be paid for by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
According to the Seattle Times, The Vatican trip marks the third time Murray has traveled internationally on official business since taking office in January 2014.
He spent time in Ireland last year and in Israel last month.
