Pope Leo XIV tells Schwarzenegger summit that faith is essential to protecting creation - EUROPE SAYS
Pope Leo XIV leads his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican May 9, 2025. Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, became the first American pope in history with his election. . .
Pope Leo XIV leads his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican May 9, 2025. Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, became the first American pope in history with his election the previous day. (OSV News photo/Mario TomPope Leo XIV has said that faith plays an essential role in addressing climate change and protecting the environment,News. az“>News. az reports. The pontiff made the remarks in a video message to the 10th Austrian World Summit in Vienna, an annual climate event organized by the initiative of former California governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. According to Pope Leo XIV, care for the environment should not be seen by believers as a secondary issue. “To those who think that faith has little to add to climate change and environmental protection, I would say that the religious dimension is actually necessary for a full response to these challenges,” the Pope said. He stressed that people who believe the world was created by God have a special responsibility to protect nature. Caring for “God’s creation,” he noted, is not an optional part of Christian life, but an important expression of faith. Pope Leo XIValso called on religious communities to support stronger social and environmental action. He said faith can help societies overcome fear with hope at a time when the world is facing serious ecological challenges. The pontiff urged closer international cooperation, a just transition toward a more sustainable economy, and a new financial architecture focused on human dignity. Such a system, he said, should also support poorer countries that are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The Austrian World Summit was launched by Schwarzenegger in 2017 and focuses on practical solutions in the fields of climate protection, renewable energy and pollution reduction. This year’s forum was held under the slogan “We Are Unstoppable” and marked the summit’s 10th anniversary. The event brought together political leaders, business representatives and civil society figures, including former U. S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Pope Leo XIV’s message continues the Vatican’s environmental line, which was strongly emphasized by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato si’, where care for the environment was presented as a key part of the Church’s social responsibility. News. AzTags:catholic churchPopePope LeoPope Leo XIVschwarzenegger summitStato della Città del VaticanoStatus Civitatis VaticanaeVaticanvatican cityVatican City StateVaticano