As the world faces urgent ecological challenges, the Catholic Church is being recognized as a driving force for environmental stewardship. Ahead of the “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” conference in Castel Gandolfo (October 1–3), Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted the unique reach of the Church and its ability to inspire real change.
Speaking to Vatican News, Schwarzenegger said, “God gave me this gift that can communicate the issue; I have the will, and I can see it, and I will do everything that I can to make this a better world.”
The Power of Catholic Parishes
The actor and former Governor of California pointed to the global network of Catholic parishes, schools, and clergy as a powerful force for good. “The 400,000 priests in 200,000 parishes around the world have tremendous power to effect change if they get educated,” he said, according to Vatican News.
He praised the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to become the world’s first carbon-neutral state, calling those who live out such principles “the true action heroes.”
Faith and Action Hand-in-Hand
For Schwarzenegger, environmental work is about more than policies—it is about vision and leadership. “Government is very important in this environmental movement,” he explained. “But government alone cannot do it. We need everyone to participate” (according to Vatican News).
He rejected claims that protecting creation harms economies, pointing to California as proof. “California has a booming economy despite having the strictest environmental laws,” he said, noting that if it were an independent country, the state would rank as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
“I’m a big believer that anything can be done. If you have a clear vision and if you have a clear goal, then you can do it. But if you just go for hope, that’s not a good strategy. So what you need is just to have a plan,” Schwarzenegger said, according to Vatican News.
A New Beginning with Laudato Si’
The conference in Castel Gandolfo, organized to mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’, brings together more than 1,000 religious leaders, climate experts, and policymakers.
Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, described the anniversary as a launching point: “The tenth anniversary of Laudato si’ is therefore not a destination, but a new beginning. It calls us to renewed commitment, for we know that the challenges remain enormous” (according to Vatican News).
Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, also underscored the urgency: “Pope Francis urged us to not give in to despair, but ‘to sing as we go’—believing that even in the most challenging times, hope can prevail and things can change.”
She announced that the gathering would launch the Laudato Si’ 10 pledge, a concrete call for renewed ambition: “The passing of Pope Francis has energized our whole movement—we now feel a sacred duty to be a living legacy and to bring his leadership and commitment to our work” (according to Vatican News).
Catholic Witness for Creation
The Church’s witness—through prayer, teaching, and action—continues to inspire hope in a time of climate anxiety. As the conference unfolds, Catholics worldwide are reminded that care for creation is not a side issue, but part of the Gospel call to love our neighbor and safeguard God’s gift of creation for future generations.
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