In a surprising turn of events, Pope Francis was unable to attend the COP28 (Conference of the Parties) climate conference in Dubai due to health concerns. However, his absence did not dampen the Vatican's commitment to climate change negotiations, as Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered a powerful message on behalf of the Pope, urging for a "breakthrough" in international efforts to combat the climate crisis.

Originally, Pope Francis had been scheduled to attend COP28, which would have made him the first head of the Roman Catholic Church to participate in a United Nations climate conference. His planned presence was seen as a significant opportunity for the Pope to directly address world leaders and negotiators on the urgency of taking bold actions to address the escalating climate emergency.

COP28, held in Dubai, is the 28th iteration of the conference and serves as a platform for nations to discuss and negotiate strategies to respond to climate change. The global stocktake process, a major focus of this year's conference, aims to assess progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the goals set in the Paris Agreement.

While the primary focus of the COP conferences is on countries, the participation of civil society is crucial. This includes religious organizations, with the Catholic Church being actively engaged in climate COPs since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where the UNFCCC was formed. Catholic representatives, including those from religious orders, humanitarian agencies, and the Vatican, have consistently advocated for a global response to climate change driven by morality and justice.

In 2022, the Holy See, representing the Vatican City State, formally entered into the UNFCCC and signed onto the Paris Agreement. This move elevated the Vatican's status from observer to having a seat at the negotiating tables, demonstrating their commitment to taking concrete action and meeting emissions reduction targets.

While Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have not attended COP conferences in person, they have consistently sent messages to the participants, emphasizing the ethical imperative to address the climate crisis. The Vatican delegation, led by a cardinal, has been present at various COPs to share the Pope's teachings and priorities with national delegations.

Pope Francis' absence at COP28 was a disappointment, but Cardinal Parolin effectively delivered the Pope's prepared speech, highlighting the urgency of the ecological transition and emphasizing the need to eliminate fossil fuels. The powerful message from the Pope sought to push for a decisive acceleration in addressing climate change through efficient, obligatory, and monitored measures in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable sources, and education on sustainable living.

While the impact of Pope Francis' absence on the negotiations in Dubai remains unknown, Catholic actors and the Vatican delegation have been actively promoting the Pope's message and priorities during the conference. Their efforts aim to achieve breakthrough outcomes in global climate action and drive a shift towards a more sustainable and responsible form of multilateralism.

In summary, Pope Francis' absence at COP28 underscored the Vatican's growing role in climate change negotiations. Despite the setback, the Catholic Church remains committed to urging world leaders to take urgent and transformative actions in combating the climate crisis. The Pope's powerful message continues to resonate within the conference halls in Dubai, emphasizing the moral imperative to address climate change for the sake of our common home and future generations.