Pope Francis has written to Scotland's Catholics warning 'time is running out' to tackle climate change as world leaders meet in Glasgow for COP26.
The head of the Church added his 'regret' in not being able to attend the summit but said it had 'not proved possible'- with the Pontiff branding the climate crisis 'one of the great moral issues of our time'.
He also said the climate conference 'occasion must not be wasted'.
Francis added in his letter, addressed to 'brothers and sisters in Christ', that he would be praying for Scotland and urged them to pray for him.
Influential politicians like US President Joe Biden along with many other heads of state have been meeting in Scotland's largest city in a bid to hammer out changes to prevent climate change.
But leaders of major polluting countries like Russia and China have been absent.
Ahead of the major meeting it emerged that Francis himself would not be. taking part in person.
The letter from the Pope reads: "As you know I had hoped to take part in the Cop26 meeting in Glasgow and to spend some time, however briefly, with you.
"I regret this did not prove possible.
"At the same time I am pleased that today you are joining in prayer for my intentions and for the fruitful outcome of this gathering meant to address one of the great moral issues of our time...
"Time is running out; this occasion must not be wasted, lest we have to face God's judgement for our failure to be faithful stewards to the world he has entrusted to our care."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
.jpg?w=600)
