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Pope's Ice Blessing Sparks Controversy at Climate Summit

10/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV blessed ice block at a climate summit in Italy to urge action.
The event marked the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, underscoring moral urgency.
Critics called it a "pagan ritual" and warned it would heighten tensions with conservative U.S. factions.
Pope Leo XIV urged a change of heart on stewardship and faced backlash over abortion and immigration.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV blessed ice block at a climate summit in Italy to urge action.
The event marked the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, underscoring moral urgency.
Critics called it a "pagan ritual" and warned it would heighten tensions with conservative U.S. factions.
Pope Leo XIV urged a change of heart on stewardship and faced backlash over abortion and immigration.