When American Catholics learned there would finally be an American pope, many hoped for a return to traditional faith and spiritual leadership (you know, actual theology and moral guidance). Instead, Vatican watchers witnessed yet another bizarre spectacle this week that has conservative Catholics questioning what exactly their church leadership stands for anymore.

The latest episode perfectly encapsulates why so many faithful feel abandoned by Rome—and boy, did they get a doozy. While Christians face persecution across the globe—from Islamic terror groups burning churches to believers being martyred for their faith—Pope Leo XIV found time for what he apparently considers more pressing matters.

From ‘The Post Millennial’:

Pope Leo XIV blessed a block of ice at a climate change event on Wednesday, part of his ongoing efforts to highlight environmental concerns and criticize those who “ridicule those who speak of global warming.”

The event marked the 10th anniversary of the late Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, which calls on Catholics to care for the environment and address climate change. During the ceremony, Leo placed his hand on a block of ice in front of a crowd and blessed the water dripping from it, saying, “Lord of Life, bless this water, may it awaken our hearts, cleanse our indifference, soothe our grief, and renew our hope, through Christ our Lord.”

Christians: Communists are shooting us and our children and burning down churches across the world, can you please help us?

Pope Leo: https://t.co/1n8cNvbxlp

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 1, 2025

The scene at Castel Gandolfo was surreal: the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics placing his hand on a melting ice block, blessing the water dripping from it while reciting, “Lord of Life, bless this water, may it awaken our hearts, cleanse our indifference, soothe our grief, and renew our hope.” This performance art marked the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ climate-focused encyclical, proving that environmental activism has become Vatican doctrine. Give me a break!

Conservative Catholics Express Outrage

The reaction from prominent Catholic conservatives was swift and scathing. Matt Walsh didn’t mince words, calling the spectacle “horrific” and questioning why “the leader of the Catholic Church shouldn’t be anywhere near this nonsense.” Walsh wasn’t holding back—and honestly, why should he? His characterization of the event as a “weird pagan Earth worshipping hippy ritual” resonated with countless believers who see their faith being hijacked by progressive politics.

Jack Posobiec highlighted the bitter irony with brutal precision: “Christians: Communists are shooting us and our children and burning down churches across the world, can you please help us? Pope Leo:” followed by the video of the ice blessing. The contrast couldn’t be starker. Or more damning.

A Pattern of Misplaced Priorities

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s systematic. Pope Leo used the platform to push for stronger government action on climate change and expressed hope that UN climate conferences would “listen to the cry of the Earth.” Because apparently that’s what passes for religious leadership now. He even criticized those who “ridicule those who speak of global warming,” seemingly more concerned with defending climate orthodoxy than defending the faith itself.

American Catholics who hoped an American pope might focus on the crisis of faith in the West got climate theater instead. The collapse of church attendance? Ignored. The actual persecution of believers worldwide? Back burner. The Vatican seems more aligned with Davos than with the disciples, more concerned with UN approval than with saving souls. Is this what Saint Peter had in mind?

What faithful Catholics need now is spiritual leadership during societal chaos. They need defense of religious liberty under assault. They need a return to timeless theological truths. What they’re getting? Ice blessings and climate justice sermons while their brothers and sisters in faith suffer real injustice. If this is what passes for religious leadership in 2025, no wonder pews continue emptying across America. Maybe it’s time Catholics started looking for leadership elsewhere—perhaps to those still brave enough to actually defend the faith.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Leo XIV blessed melting ice for “climate justice” while Christians face real persecution worldwide
• Conservative Catholics like Matt Walsh called the display a “pagan Earth worshipping ritual”
• The Vatican prioritizes UN climate conferences over defending faith and religious liberty
• American Catholics’ hopes for traditional spiritual leadership remain unfulfilled

Sources: The Post Millennial