ROME (AP) — announced that he will attend the COP28 conference on climate change in Dubai in early December. The Pope has been deeply concerned about this global challenge throughout his papacy, emphasizing the need to care for the environment.
During a 45-minute interview on Italian television network RAI, Francis revealed his travel plans. He stated, “I believe I depart on the first (of December) and stay till the 3rd. I’ll be there 3 days.”
Although Francis did not provide specific details about his trip’s program or potential appearance at the conference, it is likely that he will address the delegates. The Pope has consistently raised awareness about the seriousness of environmental damage, particularly its impact on disadvantaged individuals.
It is worth noting that Francis’s trip takes place two weeks before his 87th birthday. When asked about his health, following recent abdominal surgery, Francis humorously replied, “Still alive, you know.”
The Pontiff discussed his previous abdominal surgeries and expressed optimism regarding his improving knee. While he currently uses a wheelchair for long distances, he mentioned that his mobility is improving.
The international climate conference in Dubai will commence on November 30th and conclude on December 12th.
Addressing environmental care has been a central focus of Francis’s papacy. In 2015, he penned a significant encyclical highlighting the Earth’s endangered natural resources.
Expressing frustration with the slow progress in combating climate change, last month the Pope publicly challenged world leaders to commit to binding targets before it is too late.
When asked about setbacks in achieving climate goals, Francis responded, “Courage is needed.” He urged for greater responsibility and stated, “We’ve been ugly, ugly here in caring for Creation.”
In a recent update to the 2015 encyclical, Francis warned that God’s increasingly warming creation is rapidly approaching a “point of no return.” He emphasized the irreversible harm already inflicted on people and the planet, with the world’s poor and vulnerable bearing the brunt of the consequences.
The Dubai version of the COP meetings focuses on the impact of climate change and the measures governments have pledged to address it, including restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. The initial Conference of the Parties (COP) was held in Berlin in 1995, and subsequent gatherings have taken place in various cities and continents.
