Pope to urge 'swift action' on global warming in encyclical

Pope Francis is expected to urge swift action to protect the Earth and fight global warming, according to a leaked draft of the pontiff's encyclical.

The document, which was published by Italy's L'Espresso magazine, linked global warming to human activities and the intensive use of fossil fuels, reported the BBC.

The Vatican had termed the leak a 'heinous' act.

The final version is expected to be released on Thursday as planned.