Cardinal Czerny to Receive Inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal

ROME, Italy (Oct. 12, 2026) — A significant event in the realm of sustainability and environmental advocacy is set to unfold in Rome as Villanova University kicks off its 2026 International Sustainability Conference. This four-day conference, themed “Responding to the Cries of the Earth and the Poor”, will be held at the Augustinian Patristic Pontifical Institute and will feature the presentation of the first-ever Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 13 at the Laudato Si’ Center for Higher Education in Borgo Laudato Si’, Castel Gandolfo.

The distinguished honor of receiving the inaugural medal goes to Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., whose extensive work in human rights, migration, climate justice, and integral human development has been widely recognized. Rev. John Abubakar, O.S.A., PhD, Chief Sustainability Officer at Villanova University, emphasized that, “the medal recognizes a broader understanding of environmental leadership — one that encompasses not only technical achievement, but also the responsibility to protect and responsibly steward natural resources.”

This conference not only serves as a backdrop for the medal presentation but also acts as a hub for academic and policy discussions. It gathers international scholars, Church leaders, and policymakers to foster collaborative approaches to the climate crisis. Notable keynote speakers include Robert Bullard, PhD, a pioneer in environmental justice, and Wanjira Mathai of the World Resources Institute. The agenda is packed with plenary panels and lightning talks on pivotal topics such as environmental stewardship, the ethics of artificial intelligence, housing inequality, philanthropic partnerships, and social justice.

On the first day, the conference welcomed over 350 participants from around the world at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum. The delegates were greeted in an opening session led by Rev. Joseph Farrell, O.S.A., Prior General of the Augustinian Order; Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., President of Villanova University; and Rev. John Abubakar, O.S.A., Chief Sustainability Officer. The day concluded with a welcome reception and dinner in the Augustinianum Garden, setting the stage for the discussions ahead.