&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Video: Pope blesses chunk of ice on camera, sparks ridicule — but why did he do it?")
Pope Leo XIV has made headlines for blessing a chunk of ice. Yes, you read that right, the leader of the Catholic Church was caught on camera blessing a chunk of frozen water. Why would a religious leader of such high stature do something that seems so bizarre, you may wonder. The answer is to raise awareness about climate change. The chunk of ice he blessed was actually a chunk of the Greenland glacier. Blessing the piece of glacier at the “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” conference near Rome, Pope Leo called on world leaders to act boldly against climate change. He was then joined by actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other attendees in waving a blue tarp around the ice, a ritual meant to draw attention to environmental urgency.
Pope takes a dig at Trump
Speaking at the conference, the Pontiff said, “We will raise hope by demanding that leaders act with courage, not delay. Will you join with us?”. He also slammed those who dismiss the science of global warming, echoing the stance of his predecessor, Pope Francis. “Some have chosen to deride the increasingly evident signs of climate change, to ridicule those who speak of global warming, and even to blame the poor for the very thing that affects them the most,” he said in what was an apparent dig at US President Donald Trump.
Watch video here:
The event marked the tenth anniversary of Francis’s landmark document on climate and environmental responsibility, Laudato Si’, which helped set the tone for the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
Also read | Pakistan Army chief or shopkeeper? Asim Munir ridiculed for rare earth minerals photo-op with Trump. Watch
Cannot love god and hate his creatures
Pope Leo used the occasion to highlight the intersection of environmental and social responsibility, saying, “We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures," he said, adding, "Nor can we call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ without participating in his outlook on creation and his care for all that is fragile and wounded.”
His remarks came days after US President Donald Trump called climate change a “con” at the UN General Assembly, dismissing renewable energy initiatives.
Pope ridiculed for blessing ice
Trending Stories
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
The blessing drew both admiration and ridicule online. Some conservatives mocked the ritual as “pagan earth worship,” while others questioned the appropriateness of a Pope engaging in symbolic environmental acts. Schwarzenegger praised the pontiff as a real-world “action hero” for taking a visible stand on the climate crisis.
