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SCHWARZENEGGER BACKS 'TERMINATION' OF GLOBAL WARMING AND RAISING HOPE

Speaking ahead of today's start of the 'Raising Hope for Climate Justice' 3-day conference at Castel Gondolfo (Italy) to mark the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis' 'Laudato Si' encyclical, actor and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger showed his support for the church and their huge international following around the world who can make a massive difference when backing environmental initiatives.

Talking to 'Vatican News', Mr. Schwarzenegger also praised the Vatican for its commitment to become the first carbon-neutral state in the world, saying those who actually put things into practice beyond just talk "are the true action heroes."

As well as Arnold Schwarzenegger, over 1,000 religious leaders, including His Holiness Pope Leo XIV are set to meet at todays conference, along with prominent leaders such as Brazil's Environment Minister Marina Silva, and bishops, international agency officials, indigenous leaders, climate and biodiversity experts, and civil society representatives.

The 3 day-conference (from 1st - 3rd October 2025) will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, spiritual moments and culture events, designed "to foster a global response to the climate and ecological crisis from the perspectives of faith, politics, and civil society". It will also chart the progress made since Laudato Si as well as the urgent steps needed ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si' Movement, lamented that political leaders are not making enough progress toward safeguarding the climate for future generations but she also said "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."

The event which is being held in person at Castel Gandolfo is also being streamed live, enabling thousands of people and media outlets worldwide to follow the main messages and join the global conversation.

(Photos: Vatican news - press conference and Raising Hope map celebrating 10th anniversary of Laudato Si' events.)