Pope Francis to Attend COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, Marking First Pontifical Presence at Event

Pontiff expected to call for urgent global action against climate change at the international event, marking a key perspective from a religious figure on a predominately political platform.

Pope Francis has confirmed his attendance at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, marking the first time a pontiff has attended the U.N. environmental meeting since its inception in 1995.
The Pope has emphasized the urgency of global action against climate change, stating in a recent interview, 'We are still in time to stop it. Our future is at stake, the future of our children and our grandchildren. A bit of responsibility is needed.'
The Pope has previously met with the COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber and in a recent document called Laudate Deum, he warned that a failure in Dubai 'will be a great disappointment and jeopardize whatever good has been achieved thus far'.
Environmental protection has been a consistent focus of Pope Francis' papacy since 2013. He has previously drawn attention to the gravity of environmental damage, especially its impact on the poor, and the role of human activity in driving climate change.
Pope Francis will be in Dubai from December 1 to 3. Despite his recent health setbacks, including abdominal surgery, he has expressed a readiness to participate in the important climate event.