Sadiq Khan meets the Pope at Vatican environment summit as he boasts that election victory shows Londoners want him 'at the vanguard of the climate movement' despite ULEZ backlash (but he flew to Rome)
Sadiq Khan boasted that his re-election is proof Londoners want him 'at the vanguard of the climate movement' today as he visited the Vatican.
The mayor, who is kicking off his third term, chatted with the Pope and counterparts from other cities at an environmental summit.
Mr Khan secured a thumping victory over Tory Susan Hall in local elections earlier this month, despite a backlash over his expansion of the ULEZ charging zone.
He is leading a delegation from the so-called C40 group of mayors committed to measures to curb climate change.
It includes the leaders of Boston, Rome, Milan and Athens, while the governors of California, Gavin Newsom, and New York, Kathy Hochul, are among other attendees.
![Sadiq Khan hailed his re-election as proof Londoners want to be 'at the vanguard of the climate movement' today as he visited the Vatican](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/16/16/84964489-13426751-image-a-2_1715872619583.jpg)
Sadiq Khan hailed his re-election as proof Londoners want to be 'at the vanguard of the climate movement' today as he visited the Vatican
![The mayor, who is kicking off his third term, has met the Pope and counterparts from other cities at a summit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/16/16/84964483-13426751-image-a-1_1715872616014.jpg)
The mayor, who is kicking off his third term, has met the Pope and counterparts from other cities at a summit
Mr Khan travelled to Rome by plane, but it is not yet clear how much the trip cost.
Before the meeting with Pope Francis, Mr Khan said: 'I'm honoured to have been invited by the Pope to participate in this vital summit at the Vatican.
'Throughout history, one generation has always inspired the next with a great task. For ours, it's solving the climate and environmental crises.
'Our species is waging war on the natural world, which could ultimately lead to our ruin.
'This is a moment which demands the courage to take tough decisions and meet responsibilities to protect our planet and future generations.
'My election earlier this month was a choice of whether Londoners wanted to see their city strive forward or be dragged backward.
'Now, more than ever, I'm determined to continue putting London at the vanguard of the climate movement.'
![The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, was among the attendees today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/16/16/84964493-13426751-image-a-3_1715873124471.jpg)
The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, was among the attendees today
A spokeswoman for the Mayor of London said: 'The Mayor travelled to the Vatican for 24 hours after Pope Francis invited him to represent London at the Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience' summit.
'He travelled by plane as there was no reasonable alternative. All expenses will be declared as per the usual GLA process.'
C40 Cities is believed to be footing the 'the majority' of the bill for the visit, including for the Mayor and two staff members. The body is part-funded by the UK government.