Reform rabbis Robyn Ashworth-Steen and Warren Elf were among a delegation of Manchester religious and civic leaders that travelled to Rome for an audience with Pope Francis to pledge their commitment to countering climate change.

Rabbi Ashworth-Steen, minister of Manchester Reform Synagogue, said the Vatican visit “really reflected the urgency of coming together to tackle climate change.

“Meeting the Pope, who has led on vital climate action, sent us back home with a motivation and drive to do more.”

Rabbi Elf added that the audience “was the highlight of a special few days together, focusing on empowering ourselves to develop further the work many of us are already doing to make our city and world a fairer and greener place”.

The delegation was led by the Dean of Manchester, Rogers Govender, and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, and also included Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.