"Catholic Church's Role in UN Climate Summit: Explained"
Pope Francis was set to become the first head of the Roman Catholic Church to attend a United Nations climate conference, but due to an acute case of bronchitis, Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered a speech on his behalf at COP28 in Dubai. The Catholic Church's participation in the conference is part of its ongoing commitment to addressing climate change as a matter of morality and justice. The Vatican, as a sovereign nation, has joined the UNFCCC and signed onto the Paris Agreement, pledging to reduce emissions within the Vatican City State. Pope Francis has consistently engaged with climate conferences, sending messages and delegations to advocate for global action on climate change. His recent papal teaching document, Laudate Deum, highlights the shortcomings of the current multilateral system and calls for a breakthrough in international negotiations to accelerate the ecological transition and eliminate fossil fuels.