Pope Francis will not join world leaders at Cop26 in Glasgow

The Vatican will be sending the secretary of state instead

Author: Rob WallerPublished 8th Oct 2021

It's been confirmed Pope Francis will not be coming to the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow next month.

The 84-year old pontiff had been widely expected to join around 120 world leaders in the talks which are being staged at the SEC.

An announcement from the Vatican on Friday said it's delegation to the U.N. summit would be led by Cardinal Parolini, who is the secretary of state.

Scotland's bishops had announced in July that the pope would attend the opening, health permitting, but it had never been officially confirmed he would come and a Vatican source said that Friday's announcement meant he was not going.

Among those who have confirmed they will be attending the gathering will be US President, Joe Biden and The Queen.

READ MORE: What is Cop26 all about?

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