Arnold Schwarzenegger Hails the Pope as an ‘Action Hero’ for Bold Environmental Advocacy

At the recent “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” conference in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV shared the stage with actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Known for his blockbuster films like The Terminator and Predator, Schwarzenegger is also a dedicated advocate for environmental issues.

In his remarks, Schwarzenegger commended the Vatican’s efforts to become the first carbon-neutral state. He pointed out that shortly after becoming Pope, Leo XIV took the bold step of installing solar panels on Vatican buildings. “This will be one of the first states to be carbon neutral,” he told the audience, which included faith leaders and climate activists.

Schwarzenegger shifted the conversation from “climate change” to “terminating pollution.” He believes this approach resonates more with people, making the message accessible and urgent.

In response, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the real heroes: those working in communities to protect the environment. He framed the ecological crisis as a spiritual one and called for a collective “conversion of heart” towards nature.

The conference, marking a decade since Pope Francis’s significant encyclical Laudato Si’, attracted over 1,000 attendees, including bishops, scientists, and Indigenous voices. It underlined a commitment to integrating ecological integrity within religious teachings.

According to Sr. Alessandra Smerilli from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, this anniversary is a new beginning rather than an endpoint. Meanwhile, Dr. Lorna Gold of the Laudato Si’ Movement revealed a new “Laudato Si’ 10” pledge, aiming to renew commitment to environmental goals.

Pope Leo XIV also expressed a desire for upcoming international summits to amplify the voices of families, Indigenous peoples, and migrants, stressing that “we are one family.”

This gathering is considered one of the most significant Catholic events on ecology since the release of Laudato Si’, which positioned caring for the environment as a fundamental aspect of Catholic social teaching. As concern for climate justice grows globally, conversations like these are vital in inspiring collective action.

For more insights on environmental initiatives within the Catholic Church, visit the Vatican’s official page on Laudato Si’.

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