There are moments in history that feel almost like parables, and this is one of them. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the man who once promised “I’ll be back,” is now back at the Vatican… standing beside Pope Leo XIV and calling him the “Action Hero Pope.”
I can’t help but grin at that. The former Terminator and the Bishop of Rome, shoulder to shoulder, calling the world to save the planet. I admit it, there’s something downright joyful about seeing such an unlikely pair united for the sake of life on earth. It’s a reminder that sometimes God does His best work through strange partnerships.
At the Vatican event marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Schwarzenegger lent his voice to Pope Leo’s urgent call to “terminate pollution.” He urged the world to act, not just talk. The Pope responded in kind, insisting that the care of creation is inseparable from the care of the poor.
Scripture’s First Command Was to Care for Creation
Before God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, before there was a temple or a church, there was this command:
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15)
Stewardship of the earth is as old as faith itself.
The Psalms sing it over and over:
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
“You set the earth on its foundations… you make springs gush forth in the valleys… all creatures look to you.” (Psalm 104:5,10,27)
When Jesus blessed the meek, He promised,
“They shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
And Paul reminds us,
“Creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21)
Caring for the earth is not a new cause; it’s been part of the Gospel story from the beginning.
Prophetic Partnerships: How God Works
Again and again in Scripture, God raises up surprising allies to do His work:
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Cyrus, a foreign king, is called the Lord’s “anointed” for freeing the exiles (Isaiah 45:1).
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A Samaritan becomes the model of mercy (Luke 10:33).
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Fishermen, a tax collector, and even a former persecutor of the church become apostles.
I think that’s why this partnership between a pope and a movie star feels so right. It’s as if God is saying again, “I’ll use whoever is willing.”
The Gospel is full of holy surprises. If these two can stand together for the sake of the planet, it should shake the rest of us awake.
Climate Justice Is a Gospel Issue
The climate crisis isn’t just about ice caps and charts. It’s about people — especially the poor.
Jesus said:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
The poor live in flood zones, heat islands, drought-stricken farms. They suffer first and recover last. Every hurricane that intensifies, every heatwave that scorches, every drought that drives migration is a blow to the people Christ told us never to forget.
To shrug at this is to shrug at Christ Himself.
A Holy Kind of Excitement
I confess, I feel a bit giddy about this alliance. Not because celebrity solves problems, but because it sparks imagination.
It’s almost as if we’ve been waiting for someone to inject a little boldness and creativity into the moral call for climate action. Pope Leo brings the weight of a global church and a long prophetic tradition. Schwarzenegger brings a sense of urgency and cultural reach — and let’s be honest, a flair for saying “come with me if you want to live” that lands differently when you’re talking about the planet.
That spark matters. It feels like a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God can look like in real time: people who would never have been on the same team discovering they can fight side by side for the good of the earth and for the sake of the vulnerable.
A Moment to Act — Together
This alliance isn’t a photo op; it’s a wake-up call. We can debate policies, but we can’t debate the Gospel’s command to “seek justice, rescue the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17) and to love our neighbor in ways that keep them safe.
If the Action Hero Pope and the Terminator can join forces, the rest of us can at least join hands.
Pray — but don’t stop at prayer. Act as stewards of the garden. Speak as prophets to leaders. Show the world that our faith is alive.
Closing Word
I believe this is a kairos moment. If we take it seriously, we may still bend the arc toward healing. If we remain lukewarm, our children and their children will bear the cost.
Jesus said:
“You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:3)
This is one of those signs. The unlikely heroes have shown up. Now it’s our turn to do the same.
Let’s be the generation that answered the call — joyfully, courageously, and with the kind of hopeful determination that befits followers of Christ.
A Word of Prayer
Lord of Creation,
You formed the heavens and the earth and called them good.
You placed us in the garden to till it and keep it.
Forgive us for the ways we have squandered that trust,
and awaken us to the harm we have done to Your handiwork.
We thank You for surprising partnerships,
for voices that come from unexpected places,
for leaders, scientists, neighbors, and even celebrities
who rise above politics to serve the common good.
Bless Pope Leo and Arnold Schwarzenegger,
and all who work together across differences
to protect the earth and defend the poor.
Give them wisdom, courage, and steadfast hearts.
Stir Your Spirit in us,
that we may choose cooperation over division,
justice over apathy,
and love over fear.
Help us remember that every step toward healing creation
is also a step toward loving our neighbor.
Make us faithful stewards of the garden You entrusted to us.
Let our actions bear witness to the hope of Your Kingdom
where all creation is restored and made new.
In the name of Jesus, Amen
Join Us in Building a Faith-Driven Movement for Justice
This is why I founded Message From the Margins. We are here to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth as good news for the poor, the planet, and the people too often pushed aside.
We will keep speaking up for climate justice, for peace, for compassion at the borders, for dignity in healthcare and housing, and for a Church that remembers her true mission. This Substack is where I’ll share essays, pastoral reflections, prayers, and stories that equip you to be part of that work.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be rolling out:
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A regular newsletter for encouragement and guidance in living the Gospel today
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Prayers and video reflections for those who want to bring their faith into public life
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Opportunities to partner with us in action and in prayer
If you believe that faith still has the power to heal our world, I invite you to subscribe, share this with a friend, and become part of the growing community that refuses to give in to despair.
Together, we can follow Christ to the margins and, from there, help shape a more just and merciful future.
who calms the storm and blesses the meek,
we pray.
Amen.