Rome (Reuters) – Pope Francis announced on Wednesday that he will be attending the COP28 climate conference in Dubai next month. This will be the first time a pope participates in the U.N. environmental meeting since its inception in 1995.
In an interview with Italy’s state-run RAI television TG1 news, the pontiff revealed that he expects to be in Dubai from December 1st to 3rd, while the conference itself runs from November 30th to December 12th.
During his time in Dubai, Pope Francis is expected to emphasize the urgent need for action to combat global warming.
“We still have the opportunity to stop it,” stated Francis, referring to global warming. “Our future, as well as that of our children and grandchildren, is at stake. We need to assume our responsibility.”
Pope Francis, who is 86 years old, has consistently prioritized environmental protection during his papacy. Last month, he met with COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber.
In a significant document called Laudate Deum (Praise God), released on October 4th, Francis appealed to climate change skeptics and politicians who are slow to act, urging them to change their stance. He emphasized that they cannot ignore human influences or disparage science when the planet is potentially “approaching its breaking point.”
Laudate Deum serves as a follow-up to Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the environment called “Laudato Si” (Praise Be). This newer document was motivated by recent severe weather events and highlights the challenges faced by COP28.
According to Francis, failure at the conference in Dubai would “greatly disappoint” and put at risk the progress made thus far.
Typically, heads of state only participate in the opening sessions of these conferences and deliver keynote addresses. In the last two meetings, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke at the beginning: in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt last year, and in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021. These conferences also serve as opportunities for bilateral meetings.
