Pope Francis will not be travelling to Scotland for the Cop26 environmental summit, the Vatican has confirmed.
Cardinal Parolin, his secretary of state, will lead the Vatican contingent in the pontiff’s absence, to represent the Holy See at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Glasgow.
“I can specify that the delegation will be led by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican Press Office.
Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Roman Catholics, recently had colon surgery.
The 84-year-old Pope left hospital on July 14 and after a period of rest resumed his full activities, including a trip to Budapest and Slovakia.
Last month the pontiff hinted that he hoped to attend the summit, but Friday’s announcement was the official confirmation that he would not be travelling to Glasgow.
The Pope had said: “In principle, the programme is that I go. It all depends on how I feel at the time. But in fact, my speech is already being prepared, and the plan is to be there."
Scotland's bishops had announced in July that the Pope would, health permitting, attend the opening of the conference that runs from October 31 until November 12.
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A cyclist passes by as construction workers prepare the site of the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland. November will see the UK host world leaders at the 26th UN Climate Summit. Getty Images -
Construction workers at the site of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow. Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden are among the high-profile people expected to attend. Getty Images -
Scottish police officers take part in a role-play exercise recreating a protest in Glasgow. The police numbers involved at Cop26 will eclipse those seen at previous high-profile events in Scotland. Reuters -
World leaders will gather to discuss steps to achieve a zero-carbon future by 2050. Getty Images -
Construction workers at the SEC Armadillo building, one of the summit venues. Getty Images -
Scottish police officers take part in role-play exercise, recreating a protest during Cop26 public order training. Reuters
This week he presided at a major event with other religious leaders to bring attention to the environment and the dangers of climate change.
A Vatican source said there was still a possibility that the Pope would address the conference by video or that Cardinal Parolin would read a message on his behalf
On Friday, the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said they welcomed news that the Cardinal would lead the delegation.
“While Scotland's Catholic bishops had welcomed the prospect of Pope Francis attending the Cop26 conference in Glasgow, in the event that he is unable to attend they would accept that decision with some sadness,” a spokesman said.
“The bishops welcome the announcement that Cardinal Parolin will lead the Holy See delegation as an indication of the importance the Church attaches to Cop26 and will continue to keep Pope Francis in their prayers.”
