A top banker made a case for mining to Pope Leo XIV, who has seen its impact up close (opens original article in a new tab)

A top banker met with Pope Leo XIV to advocate for responsible rare earth mining in Latin America, despite the Vatican's calls for divestment due to environmental and social concerns.

• Ilan Goldfajn of the Inter-American Development Bank met with Pope Leo XIV to argue for responsible rare earth mining in Latin America.
• The Vatican has called for divestment from mining due to environmental and social concerns, but Goldfajn emphasized the need for safeguards and local value addition.
• Pope Leo XIV has personal experience with mining's impacts in Peru and has criticized mining companies' practices in Africa.