Pope Francis will travel to the United Arab Emirates from 1 to 3 December to attend the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, where he will deliver a speech, hold private bilateral meetings, and inaugurate the “Faith Pavilion” at Dubai’s Expo City.
By Vatican News
A Holy See Press Office statement released on Thursday, 9 November, said Pope Francis is scheduled to deliver a speech at the COP28 Summit taking place in Dubai, as well as engage in several bilateral meetings and inaugurate the “Faith Pavilion” at Expo City.
According to the official programme for the Pope’s visit to Dubai from 1 to 3 December, it takes place on the occasion of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).
The Holy Father will depart from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport on the morning of Friday, 1 December, at 11.30 am, for Dubai. He is scheduled to land at Dubai’s World Central International Airport at around 8.25 pm. A welcome ceremony will take place.
Speech to COP28
The heart of the visit takes place on Saturday, 2 December, when Pope Francis will address participants at the COP28 Summit.
He is scheduled to arrive at Expo City where the Summit takes place at 10 a.m. to deliver his speech.
From 10.30 a.m. and then in the afternoon after 3.30 p.m., he will take part in a series of private bilateral meetings.
Inauguration of Faith Pavilion
On Sunday, 3 December, the Pope will inaugurate the “Faith Pavilion” at 9 a.m., and the Pope will offer words of greeting on this occasion.
The Faith Pavilion will be hosted by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the Holy See, and a coalition of faith partners. It aims to convey a message of peace to the world.
At 10.15 a.m., Pope Francis will travel to Dubai/World Central International Airport for a farewell ceremony.
His departure for Rome is scheduled for 10.45 a.m., with arrival at Fiumicino Airport at 2.40 p.m. Rome time.
