Villanova and Laudato Si’ Center Unite for Integral Ecology Initiatives

The collaboration between the Laudato Si’ Center for Higher Education and Villanova University marks a significant step towards innovative ecological education and sustainable practices. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was developed during a meeting at the Augustinianum in Rome, coinciding with the International Sustainability Conference.

Rome Meeting Establishes New Framework for Collaboration

ROME, Italy (Oct. 14, 2026) — Representatives from the Laudato Si’ Center for Higher Education and Villanova University gathered in Rome to transform their shared ecological vision into actionable educational and research programs. The meeting resulted in the creation of a working group tasked with implementing the MoU immediately, aligning with the ongoing International Sustainability Conference at the Augustinianum Patristic Institute.

Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., emphasized the partnership’s aim to translate ecological principles into tangible educational frameworks, reinforcing the Laudato Si’ Center’s dedication to fostering academic collaboration among Catholic institutions. Echoing this sentiment, Rev. John Abubakar, OSA, PhD, from Villanova University, highlighted the MoU’s role in bridging academic research with practical environmental action, fostering interdisciplinary opportunities for university students and faculty.

The MoU will enable Villanova to collaborate closely with the Laudato Si’ Center at Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo. This unique site offers a blend of academic discourse and hands-on sustainability initiatives, including organic farming and viticulture. Joint research groups, academic exchanges, and shared carbon reduction metrics will be among the initiatives launched under this new framework.

Keynote Address by Cardinal Czerny

In conjunction with the operational meeting, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., delivered a keynote speech at the Augustinianum for the Villanova’s International Sustainability Conference. Drawing from his extensive experience aiding vulnerable communities and his recent honor with the inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, Cardinal Czerny emphasized the universal responsibility of sustainability. “We don’t need complicated theories. Sustaining life is the outcome of what everyone does in everyday life, although the actions of some relatively few have more impact. Sustainability cannot be of a minority, it cannot be imposed from above, and no one can – or should – try to escape its demands, its limits,” he remarked.

His address laid the groundwork for discussions on Artificial Intelligence ethics, housing equity, and multi-sector sustainability collaborations.

The conference will culminate on Thursday, Oct. 15, with a keynote by Wanjira Mathai from the World Resources Institute (WRI), alongside sessions on sustainable partnerships, research discussions, and a social justice documentary screening. The event will conclude with a formal ceremony and dinner in the Augustinianum Garden, celebrating new pathways for ecological collaboration.

Fr. John Abubakar, OSA, PhD, underscored the importance of this MoU, stating, “This MoU goes beyond a formal agreement. It represents a shared commitment to turning our principles into concrete action, ensuring that the work begun at this conference continues well beyond our time in Rome. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing integral ecology as an essential part of the Church’s mission.”

Through this agreement, the institutions are poised to transition from shared values to collaborative projects, connecting research, education, and sustainability initiatives.

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