Rome, 30 September 2025 – Arnold Schwarzenegger, founder of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, participated today in a Vatican press conference presenting the upcoming international conference “Raising Hope for Climate Justice.”
The press conference, held at the Holy See Press Office, gathered Church leaders and international policymakers to outline the objectives of the event, which will take place from 1–3 October 2025 at Castel Gandolfo. The conference marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’ and will bring together hundreds of participants from across the globe, including scientists, indigenous leaders, youth representatives, and civil society organizations.
Schwarzenegger at the press conference: “I’m so excited that the Church is actively engaging in climate action – because we truly need them. Nobody can do this alone.”
All participants from the press conference:
– His Eminence Cardinal Jaime Spengler, O.F.M., archbishop of Porto Alegre, president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil and C.E.L.A.M.;
– Dr. Lorna Gold, executive director of the Laudato si’ Movement;
– Sr. Alessandra Smerilli F.M.A., secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
– The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California and president of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute;
– The Honorable Dr. Maina Talia, Minister for Internal Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu.
The press conference was livestreamed in the original language on the Vatican News YouTube channel,
With a focus on climate justice, the conference will highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and promote new partnerships between faith, politics, and grassroots initiatives.
Copyright pictures: Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative / Victor Sokolowicz