Pope Francis today urged princes, presidents, sheiks and thousands of ordinary people gathered for his installation Mass to protect the environment.
The plea from the new leader of the world's Catholics comes as both Mole Valley District and Reigate and Banstead Borough councils look at areas of green belt land which could be used for new homes.
The pope was interrupted by applause during his homily when he spoke of the need to protect the environment earlier today.
He told a crowd of up to 200,000 gathered in front of the Vatican: "I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God's plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment."
Mole Valley District Council launched its green belt boundary review last month as part of a bid to meet a Government target to provide 3,760 new homes before 2026.
Under its core strategy proposals, Reigate and Banstead council has said the borough needs to build 470 houses a year until 2027 to hit its target.
