Pope Leo recently participated in a conference marking the tenth anniversary of *Laudato Si’*, a pivotal document on climate action. He was invited by Brazil’s climate minister, Marina Silva, but he did not confirm his attendance for the upcoming COP30 climate conference.
On the first day of the event, he blessed a piece of ice from a melting glacier in Greenland. This act served as a stark reminder of our climate crisis. He addressed around 1,000 attendees, urging deep reflection on humanity’s responsibility toward creation and each other. “God will ask us if we have cared for His world,” he said. The Pope emphasized that the challenges outlined in *Laudato Si’* are more pressing now than ever.
People from various fields echoed his message. Silva, Yeb Sano from the Laudato Si’ Movement, and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger praised the Pope’s commitment to climate action. Schwarzenegger even playfully referred to him as an “action hero,” a title that Pope Leo redirected back to the audience, calling them the real heroes.
During the conference, representatives affected by environmental crises shared their stories. As water was poured into a vessel symbolizing grief, the Pope prayed that it would awaken compassion in people’s hearts. This moment highlighted the real-life impacts of climate change, particularly on marginalized communities.
Dr. Lorna Gold, who organized the event, noted that Pope Leo aims to keep the spirit of *Laudato Si’* alive. The pledges made during the conference will be taken to COP30, where activists hope to push for meaningful change. Cardinal Jaime Spengler emphasized the dire consequences of climate change for vulnerable populations in Brazil, calling for a systemic shift towards justice.
Voices from various corners of the globe underscored the urgency of the crisis. Dr. Maina Talia from Tuvalu spoke about the existential threat climate change poses to his people. He urged faith communities to prioritize divestment from fossil fuels, highlighting a troubling disparity in financial support that favors military actions over climate adaptation.
Other high-profile speakers included climate activist Bill McKibben and Indigenous leader Patricia Gualinga, who highlighted the crucial balance between environmental protection and community livelihoods. They called for international solidarity to support affected populations and scrutinize the mining sector’s impact on ecosystems.
Yeb Sano concluded the event by reminding attendees of the potential of faith communities to influence political decisions. Representing 1.4 billion Catholics globally, he urged the Church to advocate for those excluded from decision-making, emphasizing the voices of the marginalized and the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
As a takeaway, blessed water from the glacier was given to participants as a symbol of hope. This gesture reminds us of our collective responsibility to care for the Earth and each other.
