Pope Leo XIV delivered one of the most striking symbolic acts of his papacy by blessing a melting block of ice in southern Italy, calling world leaders to urgent climate action.

During an event commemorating the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’s environmental encyclical, the American-born pope called out climate denial, signaled moral support for climate justice, and indirectly critiqued political figures like former President Donald Trump, as Daily Mail reports.

The ceremonial blessing took place during a gathering south of Rome marking a decade since Laudato Si, the groundbreaking 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis that framed care for the Earth as a moral and existential duty. The stage was set with symbolic elements, including tropical plants and ice from Greenland’s melting glaciers.

At the heart of the event was Pope Leo’s passionate appeal against what he described as a dismissive attitude toward environmental threats. Without naming individuals, he criticized leaders who minimize climate change and shift the blame onto vulnerable communities.

Pope Leo quoted Pope Francis’ 2023 follow-up encyclical, condemning those who “deride the evident signs of climate change” or “blame the poor” for environmental degradation. The comments were interpreted as a pointed response to Donald Trump’s recent remarks at the United Nations, where he dismissed global warming as a “con job.”

Highlighting Climate and Moral Urgency

Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the event, lending further public attention to the Church’s environmental platform. The pope’s address called on participants—representatives from indigenous and ecological movements—to increase pressure on policymakers.

Pope Leo stated, “We will raise hope by demanding that leaders act with courage, not delay,” before asking the audience, “Will you join with us?” The message was clear: the Church would continue to push moral responsibility on climate matters beyond its own walls.

In his remarks, the pope reminded listeners that spiritual beliefs must be compatible with action. “We cannot love God… while despising His creatures,” he said. “Nor can we call ourselves disciples… without sharing His concern for the vulnerable.”

American Origins, Global Focus

Leo, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, has made climate justice central to his role since becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. Although raised in the U.S., he has often been described as among the least American in political style among Church leaders for his global focus and support for international cooperation.

During the gathering, Pope Leo announced plans for a new solar farm on papal land north of the city. The project aims to make Vatican City the first carbon-neutral state once fully operational, continuing the green legacy initiated under Pope Francis.

The pope expressed hope that the upcoming United Nations climate summit would take seriously “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” His message emphasized environmental justice as intertwined with social equity, a theme present in both his and Francis’ teachings.

Addressing Life Ethics and Political Tensions

Earlier in the week, Pope Leo also weighed in on a controversy involving Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plan to honor Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, a Catholic Democrat supportive of abortion rights. Conservative bishops had objected to the decision, citing contradictions with Church doctrine.

Pope Leo responded by calling for consistency in what it means to be “pro-life.” He questioned the logic of opposing abortion while favoring the death penalty or endorsing the mistreatment of migrants.

“Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but… in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro-life,” he stated. Shortly after his remarks, Senator Durbin declined to accept the award.

Immigration, Social Justice, and U.S. Policy

Leo has previously voiced criticism of U.S. immigration policies, especially those enacted during Trump’s presidency. On social media, he called out the separation of families at the border and the deportation of immigrants as morally indefensible.

In April, he retweeted a post about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father deported to El Salvador, asking, “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?” In a 2018 post, he wrote that policies placing children in detention were shameful and incompatible with Christian values.

Leo also challenged Catholic politicians like Sen. J.D. Vance, sharing articles critical of their stances on immigration. His social media activity and public addresses have led commentators to view him as an implicit opponent of Trump-era policies, even as he avoids naming names directly.

Calls for Unity and Action Beyond the Vatican

Asked by NewsNation reporter Robert Sherman if he had a message for the United States, Pope Leo replied simply, “Many,” followed by “God bless you all.” The comments were seen as signaling both disapproval of recent policies and a desire for national reflection.

Elected to succeed Pope Francis, Leo inherited not only the papal mantle but also the expectations of reformers within the Church. Faithful to his predecessor’s ecological and social platform, Pope Leo continues to challenge political leaders to act with conscience and purpose.

As climate change intensifies and social inequalities grow, Pope Leo XIV appears committed to defining a spiritual vision that includes both faith in God and care for creation and the most vulnerable. His actions suggest he sees moral leadership as essential in facing the century’s greatest challenges.