The Pope will not travel to Glasgow to participate in COP26. Although the Vatican had not announced the trip, Pope Francis had said in an interview with Spanish radio station Cope that he would participate. His words were, “In theory, the plan is for me to go. It all depends on how I feel then. But, as a matter of fact, my speech is already being prepared, and the plan is to be there.” He said the same thing to the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, when they spoke on May 15.
“The first day..., he'll be there with other heads of state.”
“We've been hearing that, so it's nice to have confirmation.”
“It will be amazing, I'm telling you, it will have a profound impact.”
The Pope's schedule will be packed in the days during COP26. He will be meeting with heads of state who are in Rome for the G20.
Pope Francis has been pushing global leaders to make courageous decisions in Glasgow. That's why he invited political and religious leaders to gather at the Vatican.
Despite everything, the Vatican has announced that Card. Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, will lead the Holy See's delegation in Glasgow, which means that Pope Francis will not attend.