Schwarzenegger and Pope Leo XIV Gather for Climate Conference
Actor and environmental advocate Arnold Schwarzenegger met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Tuesday to speak at the Climate Conference, urging Catholics globally to “end climate change.”
This three-day event commemorates the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ influential climate encyclical, “Laudato Si.”
Before the conference, Schwarzenegger downplayed the climate skepticism of the previous Trump administration and voiced his support for the Vatican’s environmental efforts.
He emphasized that the individual actions of people, local regulations, and the moral influence of the Catholic Church are pivotal in addressing global warming effectively.
Pope Leo, who was elected in May following Francis’ death, echoed the sentiments of past leaders, stressing the need for “decisive and coordinated climate action.”
Schwarzenegger concurred, stating at a Vatican press conference that it is “very important” for the Church to lend its support in tackling this global issue.
“No one can ‘end’ just pollution,” he remarked, underscoring his ongoing call for urgent climate action. He added, “We have to work together. You have 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, 200,000 churches, and around 400,000 priests. Imagine the power of communication.” Each individual could act as a catalyst for environmental change, he suggested.
The conference gathers bishops, climate experts, indigenous representatives, and civil society members, presenting a chance to leverage collective strength.
Since leaving office in 2011, the former California governor has actively championed environmental causes. He’s been particularly influenced by the work of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Following President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, Schwarzenegger called for a “grassroots revolution” to continue combating global warming.
More than 1,000 religious leaders, climate specialists, and politicians are expected to convene from October 1-3 for the Vatican’s “Enhance Hope for Climate Justice” meeting in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.
