UNITE IN ACTION for a Healthy Planet!
Vienna / Los Angeles / Vatican City – This week marks a historic moment for climate action: Arnold Schwarzenegger is personally meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. For the first time, Pope Leo XIV is dedicating an entire week to environmental and climate protection, sending a powerful message about the urgent need for global action.
Schwarzenegger has long been a leading voice in uniting and inspiring people to fight for a healthier planet. Through his Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, he has championed environmental causes worldwide and organized the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT each year. On June 16, 2026, the summit will celebrate its tenth anniversary at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, presenting concrete solutions for a sustainable future.
The Catholic Church and the Vatican have also emphasized care for creation and sustainability as core values and priorities for many years.
Monika Langthaler, Director of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, said:
“For Arnold, it’s clear: when we stand together and take action, we can make history. That’s exactly what we mean by UNITE IN ACTION. We are thrilled to join forces with the Pope this week to send such a powerful message.”
As part of this special week, the Vatican, in collaboration with the Laudato Si’ Movement, is hosting a three-day summit from October 1–3 under the theme “Raising Awareness.” Alongside Schwarzenegger, notable participants include Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and upcoming COP host, and Iyad Abumoghli, Director of the Faith for Earth Coalition at UNEP.
The event is jointly initiated by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, reflecting their shared mission to inspire and mobilize people worldwide to take meaningful action for a healthy planet.
More about the program: https://raisinghope.earth/conference/
Credit: Laudato Si Movement