To mark the the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’” (Blessed Be), the Vatican has invited more than 1,000 religious leaders, activists and scientists to the papal summer residence for a discussion on climate change, and announced the event on Tuesday (Sept. 30) with the help of a prominent figure associated with existential threats to Earth.
“Hasta la vista, baby! Never give up!” said Arnold Schwarzenegger at the press conference presenting the event, reprising his tagline from the 1990s post-apocalyptic Terminator movies.
Acknowledging the global influence of Catholic faithful, clergy and institutions, the actor, bodybuilder and former governor of California marveled at the potential “power of communication” that the church could unleash to safeguard the environment.
“Every single one of the 1.4 billion Catholics can be a crusader for the environment and terminate pollution!” said Schwarzenegger. He praised the church’s efforts in the climate change movement and emphasized the need for all people to work together on the issue.
As a Catholic, he also urged Catholic priests to inject the principles of Francis’ 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” into their sermons and Masses.
The discussion, which will run from Wednesday through Friday at Castel Gandolfo, the papal retreat an hour from Rome, is being held in anticipation of the COP30 meeting of world leaders next month.
Continue reading at Religion News Service
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