Arnold Schwarzenegger greets Pope at General Audience

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Among those greeting Pope Francis at the General Audience on Wednesday was Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor of the US state of California and Hollywood film star.

Schwarzenegger has been promoting the 'R20 - Regions of Climate Action', an NGO he founded in 2010 which seeks to help sub-national governments around the world to develop and communicate low-carbon and climate resilient economic development projects.

The Austrian-born politician first gained fame as a bodybuilder and movie actor, before becoming governor of California from 2003-2011. While in office, California issued more stringent emission standards for vehicles than existed in the rest of the United States, and has championed the role of sub-national governments in the fight for the environment.

Pope Francis briefly greeted Schwarzenegger, who showed the Holy Father some of the R20 organization's work.

Schwarzenegger, who also met Pope John Paul II, later tweeted: 'It was my great honor to meet His Holiness @Pontifex. I am a huge fan - a true leader for the Church & a steward for all of God's creatures.'

Source: Vatican Radio/ICN