WATCH: Pope Leo Blesses a Block of Ice as Climate Activists Perform ‘Earth-Worshipping Ritual’
Pope Leo XIV blesses a block of ice during a Vatican climate event, where activists staged what critics described as a pagan-style “Earth worship” ritual.
South of Rome, Pope Leo XIV presided over an unusual ceremony in which he blessed a block of ice, part of a larger gathering marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ 2015 climate encyclical, Laudato Si’. The encyclical, which launched the Vatican’s “green theology” movement, emphasizes care for the environment as a spiritual and moral obligation.
“We will raise hope by demanding that leaders act with courage, not delay,” the Pope said while blessing the ice, asking the audience, “Will you join with us?” Critics described the ceremony as resembling a pagan Earth-worship ritual rather than a traditional Catholic event.
The gathering featured speeches from Hollywood environmental advocate Arnold Schwarzenegger and representatives of activist groups pressing for stricter climate policies. Pope Leo XIV took aim at so-called climate change deniers, indirectly criticizing President Donald Trump and Republican leaders for “ridiculing those who speak of global warming” and failing to treat the climate crisis with urgency.
He urged governments worldwide to adopt stricter environmental standards and called on Catholics to advocate for green policies. The Pope also highlighted the Vatican’s plans to become the world’s first carbon-neutral state, including initiatives such as a large solar farm.
In a broader message, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the spiritual dimension of ecological responsibility:
“We must shift from collecting data to caring, and from environmental discourse to an ecological conversion that transforms both personal and communal lifestyles. For believers, this conversion is, in fact, no different from the one that orients us towards the living God. We cannot love God whom we cannot see while despising His creatures.”
The Blessing of the Waters by Pope Leo XIV, at today’s ‘Raising Hope for Climate Justice’ International Conference at Castel Gandolfo. pic.twitter.com/QL5T5TOCvg
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) October 1, 2025
He emphasized the interconnectedness of faith, justice, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship, urging attendees to pursue harmony with God, nature, society, and themselves.
The Pope also highlighted the importance of political action, saying meaningful solutions require strong national and international policies rather than solely individual effort. He encouraged citizens, NGOs, and advocacy groups to pressure governments to enact and enforce robust environmental regulations.
The ceremony drew additional attention because it occurred just days after President Trump addressed the U.N. General Assembly, calling global warming a “con job” allegedly used to centralize power, redistribute wealth, and undermine national sovereignty.
Surrounded by environmental activists and representatives of indigenous groups, Pope Leo XIV continued the blessing ceremony, drawing both applause and criticism for the theatrical nature of the event.
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