ROME - Britain's Prince Charles called for "inspired leadership" against global warming to save the environment for future generations in a speech Monday to Italian lawmakers and other VIPs at the start of a royal visit to Rome.
His first full day in Rome also includes private talks at the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI, who has been campaigning for responsible use of natural resources.
Charles and his wife -- Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall -- arrived in Italy on Sunday, where they are staying in a private apartment of the Quirinal Palace, home to Italy's head of state.
The prince's campaign to spur efforts to curb global warming has taken him, among other places, to Asia, Latin America as well as Western Europe.
Charles said the world needs "inspired leadership" that can help reduce the environment-damaging "greenhouse" effect of carbon dioxide emissions while managing to create jobs, stay competitive economically and achieve energy security.
Charles, in an elegant dark blue suit, delivered his speech in the Sala della Lupa (Hall of the She-wolf), a room in the lower chamber of Parliament that is reserved for appearances by dignities.
Speaking in heavily accented but otherwise perfect Italian, Charles said that if the world doesn't win the battle to save the environment, "our grandchildren will never forgive us."
Chamber of Deputies President Gianfranco Fini, introducing the prince, praised him for commitment in favour of ecology and better quality of life in general.
Camilla, dressed in a tailored black suit, listened to the address.
Charles later Monday was scheduled to participate in an event on "sustainable agriculture and climate change" at the British ambassador's residence in Rome.
On Tuesday, his last day in Italy, the prince has scheduled an appearance at Confindustria, Italy's politically influential business lobby, to discuss the role of business in the fight against climate change.
The prince warned that the world was rapidly using up environmental resources that can't be replaced and lamented the accumulation of greenhouse gases is aggravating global warming.
On Tuesday, Charles and Camilla head to Venice, where they will visit La Fenice opera house and meet with local business leaders.
