Pope Francis: COP29 to contribute to protection of "our common home"

Pope Francis expressed his hope for the success of the COP29 Climate Change Conference, which is set to begin on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

During the traditional "Angelus" prayer, the head of the Roman Catholic Church highlighted the importance of the event in addressing global environmental concerns, Caliber.Az reports.

"I hope that the COP29 Climate Change Conference, which will begin tomorrow in Baku, may make an effective contribution for the protection of our common home," Pope Francis said.

The Pontiff's statement reflects the Vatican's continued emphasis on climate change and environmental stewardship. In addition, it is expected that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, will arrive in Azerbaijan to participate in the conference, further reinforcing the Catholic Church’s commitment to global efforts on climate action.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) officially begins today, November 11, in Azerbaijan. The conference, which will run until November 22, is expected to be a landmark event in the global fight against climate change, drawing attention from around the world.

Azerbaijan was selected to host COP29 during the plenary session of COP28 in Dubai on December 11, 2023, due to the country's extensive experience in organizing high-profile international events. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will welcome approximately 70,000 international guests, including political leaders, environmental experts, and representatives from the private sector and civil society.

The opening day of COP29 will feature key events and ceremonies, marking the start of the climate discussions. One of the most anticipated parts of the conference is the High-Level Segment of the Climate Action Summit, which will take place on November 12-13. During this segment, around 80 heads of state and government from countries party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will address the audience, sharing their countries' commitments and strategies for addressing climate change.

The speeches by world leaders will continue throughout November 13, setting the stage for further discussions on policies, solutions, and collaboration in the fight against climate change. COP29 is seen as a critical opportunity for nations to reaffirm their climate goals and strengthen international cooperation.