Scotland

Catholic development agencies, religious congregations and the Vatican say the climate change summit known as COP26 is crucial to the international effort to limit the planet's rising temperatures. The conference in Glasgow, Scotland will urge nearly 200 countries to commit to substantial, short-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

COP26, the U.N. climate change summit, is set to begin in 17 days. According to Catholics who will be at the conference, there are many reasons why people of faith should pay attention to the proceedings.

Covering Climate Now: Climate change talks this year aimed at keeping global warming in check need to consign coal power to history, the British president of the upcoming United Nations' conference said in a recent interview.

Vatican has not confirmed Pope Francis' attendance at COP26, but he and other faith leaders are preparing for global conference.

Catholic bishops have warned the British government that post-Brexit plans to tighten the asylum system would drive more immigrants into the hands of human traffickers.

On Thursday faith groups called for governments and financial institutions to take 10 specific steps to accelerate action on climate change. More than 400 events were held in 42 countries as part of the multifaith day of action.

In one day, the Catholic Church on two continents lost two leaders to COVID-19. 

Churches in England and Wales must wait until July before they may reopen, under a coronavirus recovery strategy published by the government.